Developing Nuclear Security Culture at Academic and Educational Institutions

May Al-Muammar,Lamiaa Fiala,Mostafa Kofi,Zenobia S. Homan

doi:10.7290/ijns070101

Abstract

In recent years, the use of radioactive sources for diagnosis and treatment has become more widespread. Presence of such sources in universities, university hospitals and academic institutions makes it necessary to develop nuclear security culture among academics. The challenges to improve security culture or in some cases develop it from scratch are diverse, and it is not a simple process. The research question which takes centre stage in this paper, is how to develop a strong and sustainable nuclear security culture among academics. Because workplaces form a combination of many different cultures, it can be a challenge to achieve a common belief in nuclear security and institutional commitment to it. Obstacles which have been identified in this context are an English language barrier; sufficient commitment of management to develop security culture; the ability to make use of innovative educational resources; and defining a clear nuclear security policy for the institutions in question. Analysis of these issues indicates that there is a need for nuclear security to be based more clearly on internal roles and regulations rather than just as an external requirement.

Highlights

Universities and research centers play an important role, in the field of education, and in the field of scientific research and development
Security culture in research centers and academic settings has received less attention than industry,[2] and we hope that this work will provide a clear and concise overview of the issues as well as potential solutions
Education and training in nuclear and radioactive source security is a challenging issue. This is especially true at facilities such as research centers and universities where these sources are widely present, and available to users varying from experienced scientists to new students

Summary

Introduction

Universities and research centers play an important role, in the field of education, and in the field of scientific research and development. A vast number of nuclear and radioactive sources are used in universities for purposes such as experiments, research, and in the case of nuclear medicine, diagnosis and treatment. Academics have a responsibility to promote nuclear security culture through the development of nuclear security educational programs, materials, and training activities to enhance nuclear security culture in different workplaces. Security culture in research centers and academic settings has received less attention than industry,[2] and we hope that this work will provide a clear and concise overview of the issues as well as potential solutions

Review of Literature

Security Culture as a Concept

Conclusions