Officials from the International Atomic Energy (IAEA) and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) will hold a briefing on Wednesday, 20 April 2011, for journalists to discuss scope and aims of the International School on Nuclear Security Course being held in Trieste, Italy, from 11 to 22 April 2011.
The briefing will begin at 15:30 CET on Wednesday, 20 April 2011, and will be done via videolink between Vienna and Trieste. Journalists in Trieste will be able to participate in the briefing at the ICTP's Main Lecture Hall, Strada Costiera 11, Trieste.
Journalists will also be able to participate in the briefing via audio conference by dialing the following toll-free number:
From within Austria: [01] 22 43 12310
From overseas: [+43] 1 22 43 12310
When prompted, please enter the following PIN Code: 01512
Participants in the briefing include:
- Khammar Mrabit, Director of the IAEA's Office of Nuclear Security; and
- Claudio Tuniz, ICTP's Scientific Consultant and Co-director of the International School on Nuclear Security.
The briefing will be held in English, though informal interpretation will be available as needed.
International School on Nuclear Security
Nuclear threats are real and immediate and are becoming increasingly dangerous and complex. On average, the IAEA receives a new report every two days of an incident involving nuclear or other radioactive material. These incidents range from reports of missing radioactive sources to attempts to smuggle nuclear material.
States are working to build an effective international nuclear security framework to ensure and strengthen global security, which includes a need for highly qualified human resources.
The International School on Nuclear Security, which combines IAEA expertise with ICTP's international network of researchers in developing countries, is being held to provide young professionals from developing countries with the knowledge they need to improve national nuclear security.
The two-week School is jointly organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Italian Government announced the establishment of the School at last year's Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, as part of its national commitment to strengthen global nuclear security.
The School is co-sponsored by the Central European Initiative and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science.
About the School
- 250 applications;
- 50 participants from 43 countries;
- 20% women; and
- Participants come from regulatory authorities, universities, research institutes, different national ministries and law enforcement agencies.