The International Nuclear Safety Group (INSAG) holds its annual forum 29 September, the opening day of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna. The Forum will focus on the infrastructure needed for nuclear safety, and include the perspectives of five nuclear "newcomers" in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Many elements are needed to build up and maintain a good infrastructure for nuclear safety. Such elements include establishing a nuclear legal framework; nuclear regulations and an independent regulatory body to enforce them; a corps of skilled technical expertise; and a system that enables public participation.
"The proper safety infrastructure provides a sound foundation for ensuring a sustainable high level of safety," emphasizes INSAG Chairman Richard Meserve. Mr. Meserve - president of the Carnegie Institution and former head of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission - will chair the INSAG Forum.
The Forum will feature perspectives of four countries - Thailand, United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and Poland - and one coordinating organization - the Gulf Cooperation Council - that have expressed interest in pursuing the nuclear power option for electricity generation. Representatives will share their views during a roundtable discussion moderated by Mr. Meserve.
INSAG includes high-level officials from 15 countries and organizations. The group is composed of experts with high professional competence in the field of safety working in regulatory organizations, research and academic institutions and the nuclear industry. It is convened under the auspices of the IAEA with the objective to provide authoritative advice and guidance on nuclear safety approaches, policies and principles for nuclear installations. In particular, INSAG provides recommendations and opinions on current and emerging nuclear safety issues to the IAEA, the nuclear community and the public.
See Story Resources for the Forum agenda. The Forum takes places at the Austria Center, Hall C, beginning at 15:00 hrs on Monday, 29 September. More information on INSAG is available on their web site.