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Inamul Haq
NSSC Network Chair,
Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Pakistan
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Japan's Experience in Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 on NSSC Operations
By Ms Naoko INOUE
General Manager, International Capacity Building Support Office, Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN), Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA)
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Participants listen to a technical lecture during an online regional training course at ISCN.
(Photo: JAEA/ISCN)
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Nearly every aspect of life has been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, and nuclear security is no exception. NSSCs are responsible for helping States to sustain nuclear security through programmes in human resource development, technical support, and scientific support. While some NSSC activities in these areas may be relatively unaffected by the pandemic, others may be impacted significantly and it is our responsibility to identify strategies and implement measure to mitigate these impacts, ensuring that nuclear security can still be effectively sustained in these challenging and uncertain times.
Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) established the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) in December 2010, based on a commitment made by Japan at the first Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington D.C., USA, to establish a regional center for strengthening nuclear security in Asia and other regions. ISCN conducts training, workshops, and seminars that support capacity building, as well as research and development on new technologies in nuclear security and non-proliferation.
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Breakout session during an ISCN regional training course on physical protection. (Photo: JAEA/ISCN)
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Our training courses are implemented based on a needs-oriented approach with tailored training curriculum fitting the requirements of target participants. ISCN also combines various methods and tools for effective learning, such as lectures, group exercises, physical protection exercise fields, a virtual reality system, and technical visits to JAEA research reactors and other nuclear fuel cycle R&D facilities.
ISCN support includes regional and bilateral training courses for other countries in Asia, national training courses for Japanese stakeholder organizations, and also hosts IAEA international training courses. As a product of this approach, 4642 people from 99 countries and six international organizations have participated in 183 courses at ISCN over the last ten years. READ MORE
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Ensuring social distance at sub-group exercises, lectures, and field exercises.
(Photo: JAEA/ISCN)
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These news stories either highlight NSSC Network members at work in the field, or provide information on subjects relevant to the Network.
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Malaysian Nuclear Security Support Center to Make IAEA Radiation Detection Equipment Available Regionally
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Under a new cooperation agreement, the IAEA and Chinese institutions will work together to improve the functioning of radiation detection equipment and physical protection systems, including by testing them in a facility that simulates harsh environmental conditions. READ MORE
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First Workshop on Supporting and Managing Nuclear Security Upgrades
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Upgrading complex systems requires an effective project management framework to plan, organise and manage resources and to ensure the successful completion of project goals and objectives. This is particularly important when it comes to nuclear security: where physical protection systems of nuclear installations are upgraded regularly to make sure they are protected against sabotage and to protect nuclear material from falling into the hands of terrorists. READ MORE
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Radioactive material can end up on crime scenes as a result of intentional malicious acts such as theft or trafficking of material. It can also be the result of criminals causing unintentional damage to machinery that contains radioactive sources. Regardless of the cause, a crime scene at which radioactive material may be present, requires special care. In cooperation with the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the IAEA created a mock crime scene with radioactive material and contaminated evidence to simulate investigation and evidence collection in a safe and secure manner.
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Upcoming network events
- Consultancy Meeting for the Bureau of the International Network for Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres (NSSC Network); 15 – 17 December 2020, Virtual event hosted by IAEA
- Consultancy Meeting on Development of Materials for Workshops on IAEA TDL-010; TBD March 2021, Vienna, Austria
- Annual Meeting of the International Network for Nuclear Security Training and Support Centre (NSSC Network); 24 - 30 April 2021, Vienna, Austria
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Recent member activities
- Ukraine, GKTC: Radioactive Material Detection, Unintentional Relocation and Illicit Trafficking Prevention Training Course for Personnel of National Guard of Ukraine; 31 August – 04 September 2020, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Lithuania: Detection of MORC During the Border Inspection; 15-16 September 2020, Vilnius District, Lithuania
*List of member activities selected from the NSSC Network Calendar requesting promotion in the Newsletter
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*New*
IAEA-TDL-010
“Establishing and Operating a National Nuclear Security Support Centre
(Revision of IAEA-TECDOC-1734)”
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In June 2020, the IAEA published the long-awaited revision of TECDOC-1734, which the IAEA and members of the NSSC Network have been working together to develop over the past several years. This publication presents a systematic approach to establishing and operating a national nuclear security support centre (NSSC) as a means to strengthen the sustainability of nuclear security in a State. It provides specific practical guidance to States, detailing a straightforward decision making and project management process drawn from good practices in establishing and operating an NSSC that were identified through the experience and lessons learned from States within the NSSC Network. The publication is intended for use by the IAEA and the NSSC Network as the primary reference for activities to support States with the establishment and operation of an NSSC. On 10 September 2020, the IAEA hosted a Webinar to introduce and explain the contents of this publication to a wider audience. The IAEA and NSSC Network are also now in the process of developing materials for workshops to assist States with implementing the publication. |
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