The Center for International Trade and Security at the University of Georgia (CITS/UGA) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), co-hosted a one day human reliability and behavioral observation training program upon the sidelines of the Women in Nuclear Global (WiN) Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 23, 2016.

The training event focused on the techniques and methods used to mitigate nuclear security threats. It brought together nuclear security and nuclear security culture female experts from the US, Morocco, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to train women, primarily from Abu Dhabi’s nuclear sector. Participants included representatives from  Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Nawah Energy Company (who is operating and maintaining Barakah units 1-4), and the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). In addition, other women from PNS Priority countries attended, including representatives from Jordan, Morocco, India, and Nigeria.

The training focused on the role of the human factor in nuclear security, and comprised presentations on IAEA methodologies for nuclear security culture, basic elements of human reliability and behavioral observation and how they connect to nuclear security, industry perspectives on strengthening nuclear security systems, as well as interactive exercises on risk perception and mitigation techniques.