The Institute for Nuclear Security focuses its efforts on five principal thematic areas, which are referred to as our “pillars.” Our concept of a systems approach to nuclear security is designed specifically to encourage crosscutting efforts and collaborations between academia, government, the private sector, and the public. The institute fosters a long-term comprehensive approach in its work that is informed by the “whole of government” and “whole of society” concepts advanced for addressing nuclear security concerns.
The five pillars are:
- Policy, Law, and Diplomacy
- Education and Training
- Science and Technology
- Operational and Intelligence Capabilities
- Real World Missions
The critical component in sustaining the relevance of our efforts is the sharing of insights from one pillar to another. For example, experience gained in the science and technology work of the institute should improve operational capabilities of our partners, which makes for more effective real-world missions. Lessons from the integration of those technologies and their application inform our education programs and may raise policy considerations that warrant in-depth study. Through the institute and routine meetings of our working board of directors, drawn from all of our partner organizations, we share these insights on a regular basis.