The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) last week met with Rafael Mariano Grossi - Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) - during his three-day visit to the UK.
Mark Foy, ONR's Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector, attended a meeting in London with Mr Grossi and Corinne Kitsell - Ambassador and UK Permanent Representative to the IAEA - along with other senior government officials and industry representatives.
The meeting covered the role of governments, regulators and international organisations in creating optimum enabling environments for nuclear innovation, as well as a discussion on how to develop nuclear skills and capability for the future.
Mark said: "It was great to have the opportunity to meet with the Director General and provide an insight into ONR's proactive and enabling approach as a regulator, as well as reinforce ONR's commitment to support the IAEA's Nuclear Harmonization Standardization Initiative."
The goal of the recently-formed initiative is for the effective global deployment of safe and secure advanced nuclear reactors, with the international nuclear community working increasingly together.
The IAEA is the world's centre for cooperation in the nuclear field and seeks to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
Mr Grossi spoke during his visit of some of the international challenges facing the IAEA. During a roundtable session with representatives of the UK’s regulatory and Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANTs) communities, the progress of future deployment of Small Modular Reactors was discussed.
Mr Grossi also met with the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group, the Nuclear Institute’s Young Generation Network and Women in Nuclear UK to focus on the importance of gender, diversity and inclusion in the sector.