Nuclear Security Assessment Methodology (NUSAM)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) established the Nuclear Security Assessment Methodology (NUSAM) project to develop a risk-informed, performance-based methodological framework for the conduct of security assessments in a systematic, structured, comprehensive and appropriately transparent manner. The framework will be used to assess the nuclear security of nuclear and other radioactive materials, as well as associated facilities and activities within regulatory control. While the NUSAM project may explore new approaches to nuclear security assessment, consistency with recommendations, requirements and guidance provided in current IAEA Nuclear Security documents will be maintained. A secondary objective is to provide an environment for the sharing and transfer of knowledge and experience, and to provide guidance on, and practical examples of good practice in assessing the security of nuclear and other radioactive materials, as well as associated facilities and activities. The project will focus on developing a consensus on the methodological aspects of nuclear security assessment, and also illustrate the application of the methodological framework to example facilities/activities. This paper describes the project, provides a status to date and upcoming activities. It also provides insights into the expected products of the project and how they might be used by Member States.