Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
Emma Midgley, Office of Public Information and Communiction
The conference will provide an international forum to address all aspects related to safety and security during transport, from regulatory and policy issues to the use of drones and artificial intelligence. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA).
The IAEA is hosting an international conference this week focused on strengthening the safe and secure transport of nuclear and other radioactive material. Around 20 million global shipments of radioactive material are made every year to support peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology.
Read more: How is Nuclear Material Transported Safely and Securely?
Opened the @IAEAorg International Conference on the #SafeSecureTransport of Nuclear and Radioactive Material taking place this week in Vienna.
For more than six decades, the global transport system has ensured the safe and secure movement of these materials worldwide. But… pic.twitter.com/JB80HH1rg8
— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) March 23, 2026
Bringing together experts from governments, regulators, technical support organizations, industry and research institutions, the event will be held from 23 to 27 March. The conference will provide an international forum to address all aspects related to safety and security during transport, from regulatory and policy issues to the use of drones and artificial intelligence. It will also explore the transport of small modular reactors (SMRs) and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs).
Read more: What are small modular reactors (SMRs)?
Ditebogo Kgomo, Conference Co-President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Nuclear Regulator in South Africa, delivers opening remarks. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
“The safe transport of nuclear and radioactive materials is necessary for global safety, public confidence and the responsible use of nuclear technologies,” said Ditebogo Kgomo, Conference Co-President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Nuclear Regulator in South Africa.
“As these materials move across borders and through complex logistical networks, international collaboration and shared expertise become indispensable. The conference participants will gain valuable insights into emerging challenges, evolving regulatory frameworks, innovative solutions that enhance both safety and security associated with transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. We look forward to engaging the global community to ensure that transport of these vital materials remains safe, secure, and resilient.”
“Transport security is not merely a logistical concern but it is a foundation of sustainable nuclear development and non-proliferation,” said Pennapa Kanchana, Conference Co-President and Inspector General at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand.
“With the expanding use of radioactive materials and the emergence of technologies like SMRs, the way nuclear and radioactive materials move across borders is transforming, and the international community must rise to the challenge and ensure that our frameworks are as forward-looking as the innovations. This conference provides a vital platform to align policies, elevate standards, strengthen cooperation and build the trust necessary to secure materials in transit.”
The conference will feature plenary discussions, panel sessions, a scenario based policy discussion and poster presentations, enabling member countries to exchange practical experience on transport safety, security including regulation, emergency preparedness and technological innovation.
The opening plenary session will give an overview of the global landscape for the safe and secure transport of nuclear and other radioactive material. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
The Global Landscape of Transport Safety and Security
The opening plenary will give an overview of the global landscape for the safe and secure transport of nuclear and other radioactive material, outlining current trends, cross‑border considerations and areas where there is potential for further harmonization.
Throughout the week, panel sessions will explore specialized themes, including:
- Transport of nuclear and other radioactive material in times of crisis: examining the continuity of operations and emergency decision making under challenging conditions.
- Regulatory challenges associated with the transport of SMRs and FNPPs.
- Sustainable supply chain for radiopharmaceuticals: ensuring that patients have reliable access to radiopharmaceuticals, essential for life‑saving diagnostics and therapies.
- Public communication: discussing approaches for improving awareness and trust related to the movement of nuclear and other radioactive material.
Safety by Package Design
A major focus of the conference is safety by package design, addressed through several technical sessions examining innovations in shielding and containment as well as practical certification processes for transport packages. Six dedicated sessions allow experts to compare design approaches, testing methodologies and lessons learned from real world applications.
Security in Support of Advanced and Innovative Technologies
Given the critical importance of security in the successful delivery of both existing nuclear and other radioactive material transports, a number of security focused technical sessions are planned to support the international interest shown in the employment of new technologies such as SMRs and FNPPs.
Other technical sessions consider:
- Transport security practices and challenges: covering physical protection, vulnerability assessment and coordination among national competent authorities.
- Computer security for transport systems: discussing computer security threats, infrastructure protection and digital resilience across the transport chain.
- Advanced fuel cycle transport: focusing on innovations in packaging and shipment for new fuel types and advanced reactor technologies.
The agenda also highlights the potential role of battery and hydrogen powered vehicles in radioactive material transport, examining associated safety and security implications.
A specialized panel will explore the safe and secure transport of disused radioactive sources.
Strengthening Preparedness and Response
Preparedness and response in case of incidents during transport will be discussed, with two sessions dedicated to scenario based planning and practical approaches for managing incidents.
Read more: What are Radioactive Sources?
International Cooperation and Regulatory Frameworks
Several sessions will address the international frameworks governing the transport of nuclear and other radioactive material, including legal instruments, safety standards, and security instruments. Discussions cover:
Sessions on national and international shipments, sea transport and civil liability considerations will provide additional space for countries to exchange on national practices and identify areas where common approaches could facilitate smoother transport operations.
Human Capacity Building and Safety–Security Culture
Recognizing the critical role of well trained personnel, the conference offers discussions on human resource development, safety–security culture and approaches to building national competence in regulatory and operational roles.
Side events, a poster session and a technical exhibition complement the main programme, showcasing ongoing research, new tools and countries’ experiences.
The conference is supported by funding from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Follow the conference on social media with the hashtag #SafeSecureTransport.