Promoting 'nuclear security culture' in the Developing World

Nuclear and radioactive materials, though useful and beneficial in many fields including energy, medicine, agriculture and industry, could pose a danger to the environment and to the public if handled improperly.

To help developing countries build effective nuclear security strategies, ICTP and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are conducting the third annual "International School on Nuclear Security" in Trieste from 8 to 19 April 2013.

The school, which combines ICTP's international network of researchers in developing countries with IAEA nuclear security expertise, plays an essential role in supporting countries' efforts to prepare experts who are well equipped and qualified to analyse national nuclear security needs, prevent and combat the threat of sabotage or the use of nuclear and radioactive material for criminal or unauthorized acts, and prepare effective response measures to nuclear security events.

This year's school attracted 182 applicants, of which 48 were selected, representing 39 countries (7 of which are least-developed countries). Participants come from regulatory authorities, universities, research institutes, national ministries, and law enforcement agencies.

"One of the best ways to ensure the sustainability of a secure nuclear culture is through education and training," explained Tim Andrews of the IAEA's Department of Nuclear Safety and Security and one of the school's lecturers.

Co-sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the school was initially proposed by the Italian government in 2010 during a Nuclear Summit in Washington, DC, where a number of nations pledged their support to strengthen global nuclear security.

"This school is a clear sign of the commitment of the international community to ensuring nuclear security," said Giovanni Brauzzi, Deputy Director General/ Principal Director for Security, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in opening remarks at the school.

Brauzzi added, "Italy attaches great importance to the role that ICTP and the IAEA are taking as disseminators of nuclear security knowledge, especially in their 'training the trainer' approach."

More details about the school are available on its website.

Related link: IAEA and Nuclear Security