Training

In partnership with the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN), CSSS launched in 2010 the world’s first professional development course (PDC) in nuclear security education. Adopting a train-the-trainer approach this two-week programme combined pedagogy with nuclear security topics in order to equip future nuclear security educators with the tools they need to develop tailored courses. From 2010 to 2013 a total of six nuclear security education PDCs were run at KCL, attended by over 100 academics from 30 institutes in 15 different countries. From 2014 to 2016 CSSS partnered with key universities in Sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East and North Africa, to launch eight locally focused programmes, delivered in country, to support the development of regional and national nuclear security courses. PDCs have been developed in the following subject areas: insider threats, preventative and protective measures; nuclear security culture; nuclear regulation; nuclear forensics and nuclear material accounting and control (NMAC). A summary of CSSS activities carried out in the area of nuclear security education can be found in a paper prepared by Dr Christopher Hobbs, Luca Lentini and Dr Matthew Moran, for the IAEA 2016 Nuclear Security Conference.

For more information contact: Professor Christopher Hobbs, Dr Sarah Tzinieris, Dr Zenobia Homan or Professor Matthew Moran

Courses and Workshops

Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials

The physical protection workshop focuses on the nuclear threats posed by non-state actors and how physical protection systems and supporting security measures can be used to mitigate them. This six-day introductory course employs an interdisciplinary approach to cover regulatory, government, industry and academic topics, including IAEA guidance and best practice. A site visit to an operational nuclear power plant takes place half-way through the workshop, with the objective to embed theoretical concepts into practical application.

Scientists, Technicians and Engineers

The scientists, technicians and engineers (STEs) workshop is designed to raise awareness of nuclear security within the academic and research communities, with a focus on protecting sensitive nuclear information. This three-day workshop outlines the risks to nuclear and radiological material and information in this context, as well as examining the practical steps that can be taken to enhance security. The workshop is also unique in that discussions around the protection of sensitive information encompass proliferation issues and export controls.

Nuclear Security Culture

The nuclear security culture workshop focuses on the human dimension in security at nuclear and radiological facilities, examining the impact of security culture on the effectiveness of physical security systems. Security culture is one of the most complex and interdisciplinary areas of nuclear security and, consequently, also one of the most misunderstood – even despite the increase of international interest and activities in this area. This five-day workshop introduces the concept of security culture, examining the IAEA guidance in this area which builds upon Edgar Schein’s work on broader organisational culture. It also discusses approaches, methods and tools for the assessment of security culture, as well as the insider threat and human dimension in cyber security.

Radiological Source Security

The radiological source security workshop introduces the threats to radiological sources posed by non-states actors and how security measures can be used to mitigate them. The five-day course employs an interdisciplinary approach to cover regulatory, government, industry and academic topics, including IAEA guidance and best practice. A video walk-through of a site containing radiological sources is provided, with the objective to embed theoretical concepts into practical application.

Insider Threat and Preventative Measures

The insider threats and preventative measures workshop focuses on the human dimension at in security at nuclear and radiological facilities. Building on IAEA guidance and international best practice, the workshop discusses Edgar Schein’s work on broader organisational culture, as well as the preventative and protective measures that can be taken to guard against the insider threat. Case studies are used to demonstrate the range of previous incidents involving insiders, including cases of sabotage, physical theft and cyber breaches.

Senior Executives Nuclear Security Culture

The senior executives nuclear security culture focuses on the vital importance of a supportive leadership in building a robust security culture. This unique two-day workshop brings together senior executives from various organisations working with nuclear and radiological materials. The focus is on how nuclear security culture is not only about reducing risks but also serves as a business enabler. Strategies for ensuring appropriate leadership and the development of management systems are also examined.