Events

Organised by the Nuclear Institute Nuclear Security Special Interest Group, the Nuclear Institute Security Conference returns to Bristol for the first time since 2019, offering again unparalleled access to top experts, with an emphasis on networking, technical knowledge sharing, and a commitment to the development of early and mid-career professionals. 

Session 1: Connected Threats, Shared Lessons – Insights from CNI Attacks Beyond Nuclear 

Recent incidents in aviation, logistics, energy and conflict zones show how attackers exploit seams between physical, cyber and human systems across Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This session explores what those events tell us about the evolving threat landscape and how the nuclear sector can apply cross-sector lessons to strengthen resilience.

Session Goals

• Identify recurring patterns in recent CNI attacks.
• Examine attacker adaptation, escalation and cross-domain effects.
• Distil what worked (and what failed) in incident responses.
• Consider state-sponsored and foreign national exploitation risks.
• Translate cross-sector learning into practical nuclear security improvements.

Session 2: Leading, Not Following – Setting the Standard for Modern Nuclear Security

The emergence of Small and Advanced Modular Reactors offers a rare chance to embed security from first principles rather than add it after the fact. This session looks at proportionate, scalable and innovation-led approaches that can shape future Relevant Good Practice (RGP) for new build, operating fleets and decommissioning environments alike.

Session Goals

• Embed security by design in SMRs, AMRs and future systems.
• Develop proportionate, scalable protection and response models.
• Link new approaches to challenges at existing and legacy sites.
• Use innovation to inform and uplift future RGP across the sector.

Session 3: From Frustration to Fallout – How Insider Threats Emerge and Escalate

Insider activity remains one of the most complex risks in high-consequence environments. Drawing on historical cases, current research and operational experience, this session examines how small behaviours escalate into strategic consequences and what organisations can do to detect, deter and manage insider risk more effectively.

Session Goals

• Learn from historical insider and subversion cases.
• Hear emerging evidence from current cross-sector research.
• Expose cultural and procedural blind spots that mask risk.
• Strengthen vetting, behavioural awareness, aftercare and consequence management.

New this year will be technical poster displays enabling attendees to showcase their work and excellence, along with conference output captured in thematic papers in future editions of the NI journal, Nuclear Future. 

You should attend if you are looking to connect with fellow nuclear security professionals, learn about the latest developments from across the growing civil and defence sectors, and are keen to shape the future of nuclear security. 

This conference is certified for Continuing Professional Development.