Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov Participated in the IAEA Nuclear Security Working Group under the Initiative NHSI with Focus on Small Modular Reactors

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov, Director of the UNWE Nuclear Security Support Center and the Institute for Enhancing Research Capacity in the Field of Nuclear Industry and Nuclear Security, participated in the 4^th Meeting of the Nuclear Security Working Group under the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative /NHSI/ of the International Atomic Energy Agency /IAEA/, which took place in Vienna, Austria.

The main focus was on issues related to the security of Small Modular Reactors /SMR`s/ - one of the most rapidly developing areas in modern nuclear energy. The discussions covered IAEA’s activities related to the development of SMR platforms as well as the issues of cybersecurity, infrastructure preparedness and regulatory approaches to the implementation of these new technologies.

During the meeting, participants discussed the development of key tools and documents aimed at enhancing the nuclear security, including the so called Threat Attributes and tools for self-assessment of national infrastructure preparedness. Special attention was given to adapting these approaches to the specific characteristics and risks associated with SMR`s, as well as to applying the Security by Design principle as early as possible in the design phase of new nuclear technologies.

In the closing sessions, the Working Group’s future priorities for the period 2027–2028 were also identified, with a focus on strengthening the international cooperation, the exchange of experts and developing common standards in the field of nuclear security.

During the visit Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov held a bilateral meeting with Mrs. Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Department, during which they discussed the future priorities for the development of the Master’s Programme in Nuclear Security at the UNWE, as well as the opportunities to expand the cooperation with the Agency in the preparation of highly qualified specialists in the field.

Prof. Dr. Svetoslav Spasov’s participation in this international expert forum highlights the UNWE’s active role in the policy and capacity-building processes in the field of nuclear security, particularly in the context of the new nuclear technologies such as the Small Nuclear Reactors /SMR`s/.