Human Resource Development

Annually, the IAEA conducts more than 60 training events for Member States as well as for Non-Member States. These are based on findings and insights resulting from the various advisory missions and organized in response to the requests formulated by the States themselves. The range, depth and number of training events have continuously increased in the past years and cover thematic and skills-building topics.

Recommendations and guidelines – based on the relevant international instruments – have been developed by the IAEA and Member States to reflect international best practices. The IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2006–2009 provides the basis for a comprehensive training programme suitable for the delivery of best practices within an international context.

This training programme is provided by the Office of Nuclear Security to assist States in applying IAEA nuclear security recommendations and guidance and covers the full range of national responsibilities for nuclear security. It targets audiences at all levels of responsibility. The training, which can be tailored to the needs of the various organizations responsible for nuclear security, can be provided in a national, regional or international setting. In addition, the IAEA can assist in establishing national training facilities and academic programmes covering nuclear security.

Training courses, seminars and workshops

The IAEA strives to offer a comprehensive training programme that is interactive and participatory to sustain human resource development in nuclear security. Most of the training events consist of a series of lectures given by experts in the relevant field and their schedules are designed to allow adequate time for participants to discuss and interact with each other. Many workshops feature demonstrations involving the use of radiation sources and radiation detection equipment, practical exercises in the classroom/laboratory or simulation exercises. Often individual presentations are delivered that offer new perspectives and practices, adding to the overall value of the learning experience.

The atmosphere tends to be informal and collegial, where participants know they are in a supportive learning environment. Most Nuclear Security training events are held in medium-sized conference rooms at Regional Training Centres or appropriate venues chosen by the Host Country in order to facilitate discussions and exchange of views. Selected training events are open for policy makers, nuclear regulators, facility operators, and for nominated participants from customs, border security forces, national police, intelligence services and emergency responders.

Overview of the Nuclear Security Training Programme

The Agency offers a wide range of training events each year. In 2006, new initiatives included a workshop on ‘Response to Incidents involving Nuclear and other Radioactive Material’ and a workshop on the 'Implementation of the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP)’.

Upon request, the IAEA can provide training courses and workshops for Member States on:

For further information please contact NuclearSecurity@iaea.org


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