Empowering Women in STEM: Dibuleng Mohlakwana’s Mission to Advance Nuclear Information Science

With nearly 30 years of experience in information, knowledge, and records management, Mohlakwana leads efforts to collect, manage, and disseminate nuclear information for the IAEA and the public.

Technology is rapidly transforming how we share and retrieve information, and the demand for accessible and reliable knowledge continues to grow. As a result, information science plays a crucial role in driving innovation and knowledge-sharing worldwide.

"Information is a fundamental asset for organizational performance, just like financial and human resources. Every decision relies on available data and information," said Dibuleng Mohlakwana, Head of the IAEA's Nuclear Information Section. "My mission at the IAEA is to help people make informed decisions and efficiently navigate the vast amount of available information."

With nearly 30 years of experience in information, knowledge, and records management, Mohlakwana leads efforts to collect, manage, and disseminate nuclear information for the IAEA and the public. Her role also includes introducing innovative tools and techniques to continuously improve how the IAEA organizes and shares information.

From South Africa to the Global Stage

Born in Limpopo Province, South Africa, Mohlakwana grew up in a family of educators and agriculturalists who instilled in her the values of hard work, resilience, and education. Encouraged to carve her own path, she pursued a career in information science—a field she discovered at the age of 17 while studying at the University of Limpopo. Recognizing the critical role of information management in organizational success, she pursued a master's degree in information and knowledge management, followed by a PhD in information science.

Mohlakwana's career began as a librarian, and she credits her mentors and professional network for guiding her development. Before joining the IAEA, she was Director of the eResearch Knowledge Centre in South Africa, overseeing research support, library and information services, and the accessibility of research outputs through an open-access repository.

Motivated by a desire to contribute to global challenges, Mohlakwana was drawn to the IAEA to support efforts in energy solutions. "As I witnessed the growing energy challenges in South Africa, from aging infrastructure to heavy reliance on coal, I realized that the issues and solutions were not just local—they were global," she said. "Joining the IAEA was an opportunity to be part of something larger and help shape a more sustainable energy future for all."

Harnessing AI to Transform Information Management

Mohlakwana oversees the IAEA's International Nuclear Information System (INIS), one of the world's largest open-access repositories dedicated to the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. With nearly 5 million knowledge products and 24 million PDF downloads recorded last year alone, a solution was needed to enhance the speed and accuracy of indexing such a vast collection.

In response, the IAEA implemented an AI-powered auto-indexing tool that revolutionized its information management system. The Neural Artificial Intelligence for Document Indexing and Analysis (NADIA) tool can automatically index over 1,400 knowledge products daily, drastically improving efficiency and accuracy in organizing nuclear information.

Mohlakwana also leads the IAEA's Lise Meitner Library, a globally renowned resource for nuclear science and technology. Together with INIS, the library serves as a hub for nuclear research and knowledge-sharing across more than 60 Member States through the International Nuclear Library Network.

"The Lise Meitner Library empowers individuals by providing reliable and relevant information, which is essential for informed decision-making and advancing research in nuclear science and technology," she said.

The Power of Mentorship and Networking

Mentorship has played a vital role in Mohlakwana's career, shaping her professional development and providing guidance through challenges. She encourages young women pursuing careers in STEM to seek out mentors and build strong professional networks.

"Networking unlocks a world of possibilities you may have never imagined," she said. "Reach out to those you admire and invite them to share their wisdom. Many professionals are eager to share their experiences, empowering you to reach new heights."

IAEA's Commitment to Gender Equality in STEM

The IAEA is dedicated to gender equality, ensuring that individuals of all genders have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from its programmes and activities. The Agency actively promotes gender balance within its Secretariat and integrates gender mainstreaming into its initiatives.

To support women in nuclear science, the IAEA's Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme provides scholarships for master's degrees in nuclear-related fields, while the Lise Meitner Programme offers training visits to nuclear facilities for early- and mid-career women professionals.

Through these initiatives and the inspiring leadership of professionals like Dibuleng Mohlakwana, the IAEA continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in STEM.