The important relationship between nuclear energy and nuclear security will be explored in a public conversation between leaders of key nuclear agencies on Thursday, November 14 at 2 p.m. at the Schar School of Policy and Government in Arlington, Va. Brent Park, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and Mikhail Chudakov, Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will address “The Nexus Between Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Security” in a forum intended to increase awareness and understanding of the agencies and new developments in the field.
The discussion will be moderated by Gregory Koblentz, director of the Schar School’s Biodefense Program. The forum is sponsored by the Center for Security Policy Studies at the Schar School and the Biodefense Graduate Program. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions following the discussion.
"How do we balance the growing, world-wide demand for carbon-free energy with the need to prevent nuclear proliferation and terrorism?” said Koblentz. “That's a very important question and I can't wait to hear how these two leaders will answer it."
One goal of the discussion is to pique the interests of young professionals who could consider careers in nuclear energy, nuclear security, and nonproliferation.
“It is imperative and that we engage early and often with the next generation of professionals in these fields to continue to ensure the safe deployment of peaceful nuclear technologies across the globe,” said Dr. Park. “I look forward to future conversations on these issues.”
“The Nexus Between Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Security” will take place on Thursday, November 14 at 2 p.m. in Room 113 at Van Metre Hall on George Mason University’s Arlington Campus. The forum is free but registration is required at this site.