The necessity to form an integrated system of attracting and building up the intellectual potential of the country for its scientific and technological development is caused by the rapid development of technologies that have greatly transformed the landscape of global education and naturally accelerated the transformation of science in the world. The search for answers to big challenges involves all aspects of the research process, including the management of research activities. The continuity of scientific knowledge is carried out through the interaction of the "supervisor – applicant", that the supervisor plays a key role in the success of the defense of dissertations. The author of the article proposes to comprehend the materials of expert interviews and identify the factors that stimulate employees of the nuclear industry to lead dissertations of degree applicants. The expediency of the conducted research is caused by the need to identify significant factors motivating scientific supervisors to lead and increase the proportion of dissertation research defenses of degree applicants.