Amity Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (AINST), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru is organising a five-day Joint Workshop, from 25th -29th March 2025, at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida Campus. A total of 26 participants from various security agencies such as National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo Tibetan Border Police, National Academy of Customs, Indirect taxes and Narcotics and Karnataka Police, are participating in the Training Program.
The training program is being organized with the aim to provide specialized training on the safe handling of nuclear and radioactive materials for these agencies, so that they can respond effectively to emergencies and manage material recovery when needed. The objective is to take up capacity building in handling nuclear and radiological materials and imbibing practices followed at the international level. The expected outcome of the Training Program focusses on enhancing the visibility of our recently established Nuclear Security Education Lab, particularly, remotely accessible laboratory and will result in collaboration with various stakeholders for the usage of Amity facility.
Dr. M. Sai Baba, Visiting Scientist, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, mentioned about the ideology behind setting up this program, the unique approach of understanding and catering to the needs to the workforce and setting this up in their preferential language are some of the distinctive features of the training organised. He said that this workshop is a result of joint and sustained efforts of subject matter experts both national and international, Senior leadership of various security forces and Professionals at Amity University.
Dr. W Selvamurthy, President Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation emphasized upon the relevance of such workshops in the present era and the way AINST, AUUP has been working on various fronts like Radiation Safety officer Certifications, workshops and seminars to develop capabilities and build capacity to respond to any unforeseen emergency. He added, “Nuclear and radioactive materials play a crucial role in various sectors, including agriculture, medicine, industry, food technology and energy production. The Union Budget for 2025-26 emphasizes a significant push toward nuclear energy as part of India's long-term energy transition strategy, with ?20,000 crore allocated for research and development in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The goal is to have at least five indigenously designed operational SMRs by 2033. This initiative is in line with India’s target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, marking a major step toward reducing carbon emissions and ensuring long-term energy sustainability.” Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group envisioned to establish Amity Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology when Amity was established in the Year 2005 with the focus on quality Education, Research and innovation.
Delivering the Welcome Address, Dr. Alpana Goel, Director, Amity Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, mentioned about the importance of amalgamation of security forces and academia for the attainment of safe and secure workplaces and the nation to cater to emerging and dynamic threats particularly being faced with nuclear materials. She said that AINST has been on the forefront of serving the nation with the capabilities developed in nuclear safety, security and response planning. “Amity Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology has state of the art laboratory and most advanced equipment to cater to precise detection and quick identification of nuclear materials. The capabilities for decontamination and safe and secure disposal of nuclear materials will also be provided during the workshop. Since most of these security agencies are also the first responders in the case of any nuclear or radiological emergency, the Training Program would help in building up capacity to respond to any such unforeseen situation.”, she added further.
The distinguished Subject Matter experts include Dr. K. L. Ramakumar, Distinguished Scientist and former Head, NCPW, DAE & Director, Radio Chemistry & Isotope Group, BARC, Mumbai, Shri Anil Kumar, Retired DG, Madhya Pradesh Cadre, Shri R.S. Sundar, Distinguished Scientist and former Executive Director (Operation), LWRs, NPCIL, Dr. Sunil S. Chirayath, Distinguished R&D Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), USA, Shri V. Rajagopal, Retired, Health and Safety Group, IGCAR, Kalpakkam, Dr. S. Murali, Retired from RSSD, BARC, Mumbai, Dr. Craig Marianno, Faculty Member at Texas A&M University, USA and Dr. Manit D. Shah, Verification Technologies Engineer, ORNL, USA.