Led by the University of Siena in Italy, the TRAINS initiative aims to enhance training and knowledge dissemination in radiological and nuclear security. Its primary focus is on providing training to fellows with diverse backgrounds —ranging from technical and scientific to law, international relations, and economics — in the security of radiological sources and nuclear materials. For young professionals, it represents an opportunity to leverage the current resurgence and rejuvenation in the nuclear sector, nurturing the development of skills among the next generation of professionals. In addition to its immediate objectives, this knowledge transfer endeavour will also raise awareness within the scientific community about the interconnectedness of security with safety and safeguards.
Nuclear security, defined as the prevention, detection, and response to criminal or intentional acts involving nuclear and radioactive materials, necessitates comprehensive measures by states and organisations to prevent unauthorized access throughout the entire lifecycle of such materials.
There is an increasing need for radiological and nuclear security as the use of nuclear technologies grows globally. Securing these technologies from potential misuse is crucial in the interconnected global landscape, reflecting the principle that harm to one entity affects all.
The aim of TRAINS is to reinforce training and knowledge dissemination within the realm of radiological and nuclear security. TRAINS’ focal point is to provide training for different background fellows (technical, scientific, law, international relations and economics) in the field of security of radiological sources and nuclear materials. For the younger demographic, it presents an opportunity to capitalise on the current surge and revitalisation in the nuclear sector, fostering the development of skills among new generations of professionals. Beyond its immediate scope, this knowledge transfer initiative will additionally contribute to raising awareness within the scientific community about the need of security and its intertwining with safety and safeguards.
