Science and Technology Needs in Nuclear Security Detection

By Julius Cesar Trajano

Dr Charles Massey, a nuclear security officer of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), spoke at a seminar titled “Science and Technology Needs in Nuclear Security Detection” on 20 November 2018. About 45 participants from the Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, government agencies, and the private sector attended the seminar organised by the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, RSIS.

Dr Massey discussed the innovative use of science and technology to address the ever-evolving challenges in nuclear security around the world. He explained that an important component of nuclear security is to prevent lone attackers, criminals, and terror groups from sabotaging nuclear facilities and stealing nuclear or radioactive materials that can be used in a malicious attack. He pointed out that radioactive materials are not just used in nuclear power plants but are also present in hospitals, research laboratories, and industrial zones, among others. As malicious groups adapt to existing security measures, Dr Massey accentuated the importance of keeping pace with evolving challenges and threats to nuclear security using scientific and technological innovations and affirmed the key role of science, technology, and engineering in understanding and addressing new challenges and threats.

Nuclear security resources are always tight in terms of manpower and financial costs. In this regard, he also highlighted how various disciplines, such as natural sciences, engineering, finance, and social sciences, can contribute to meeting the growing science and technology needs in nuclear security. As the seminar’s participants came from diverse disciplines, Dr Massey encouraged them to consider research and employment opportunities in nuclear security through IAEA-supported coordinated research projects among member-states, as well as working at the IAEA. He told them that the IAEA needs their diverse but complementary experiences, insights, and capabilities to fulfil the agency’s mission to ensure the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear technology.