Technical and scientific support to regulatory and operator practices is vital to ensure safety of nuclear products, a top International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) official said here Saturday.
"Whether in countries with an established nuclear power programme or in those about to embark on one, technical and scientific support to regulatory practices and operator processes is crucial for building and maintaining a system
that guarantees the safety and security of nuclear and radiological materials," Denis Flory, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security said.
"Nuclear safety and security is science-based knowledge.
You must develop this knowledge through research," Flory said ahead of the International Conference on 'Challenges Faced by Technical and Scientific Support Organizations in Enhancing
Nuclear Safety and Security', to be held in Tokyo, Japan from October 25-29.
The fundamentals of safety are the expertise in physical protection and accounting of nuclear and other radioactive material in use, storage and transport, and the associated
facilities, as well as experience in the maintenance of systems, equipment and associated software used for effective border monitoring and, for radiological threat assessment, the
official said in a release.
Flory said this knowledge is developed through Technical And Scientific Support Organizations (TSOs), neutral and official organisations that provide the basis for activities regarding radiation safety.
Over 270 participants will join top leaders, experts and panelists from nuclear regulatory authorities and TSOs from 57 countries to network and share information on the subject.