On 28 January, a training course on Physical Protection and Security Management was started at the Nuclear Security Training Centre of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, organized by the Office of Radiological Security of the National Nuclear Security Administration of the US Department of Energy in cooperation with the Committee for Nuclear and Energy Supervision and Control of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The course provided a platform for the exchange of experience and knowledge between the international experts and 24 participants from Kazakhstan - oncologists, radiologists and medical physicists from different regions. During the four days’ event, they will study the practice of safe handling of radioactive sources under the guidance of professional instructors from Kazakhstan and the USA.
Sayabek Sakhiyev, General Director of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, opened the training course. He noted the unique role of the Institute, emphasizing that it is the only scientific center in Kazakhstan that deals with the full cycle of research and development in the field of nuclear energy. ‘We carry out fundamental and applied research, develop the technologies and produce the products that serve for peaceful purposes and support the health of our people,’ the General Director said.
The production of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and treatment of oncological diseases at the Institute was also noted. Today, about 90 per cent of all domestic radiopharmaceuticals are produced at the Institute and delivered to the medical institutions throughout Kazakhstan both by land and air transport.
The physical protection course is an important part of the effort to strengthen radiological safety knowledge and skills. It not only enhances the professionalism of the participants, but also contributes to strengthening of the national physical security system in accordance with international standards.
The training programme of the course will run until 31 January.
