“Being able to learn from others’ experiences, sharing and applying them in my country, is what inspires me.”
Nancy Astrid Solis Alcantara, Department of Radiological Protection Support at Veyron Physics S.A de C.V, speaks about the role for the private sector in promoting nuclear security as well as the importance of information exchange.
What is the role of the private sector in ensuring nuclear security?
Undoubtedly, the role of private organisations is of vital importance. At least in Mexico, the private sector has more frequent contact with radioactive and/or nuclear material in many activities than other sectors. The private sector’s role as executor and link between government organisations and users gives it the responsibility to perform good nuclear security practices.
How do international networks and associations help to promote nuclear security?
Without any doubt, networks and international associations – as well as the documents and reports produced by them – are the basis from which laws and national statutes start to be created that help implement and secure good nuclear security practices at the national level.
What was your WINS Academy elective? Why did you choose it?
I completed three WINS Academy electives in addition to the Foundation Module: Nuclear Security for Scientists Technicians, and Engineers; Radioactive Source Security Management; and Transport Security Management. I chose them because they support the most common activities in Mexico, but unquestionably the module that I have applied the most in my work is Radioactive Source Security Management, since it is comprehensive.
“There is no better way of learning than from the experts.”
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
I think there is no better way of learning than from the experts. WINS is an organisation that bring experts together from different organisations and parts of the world. Being able to learn from others’ experiences, sharing and applying them in my country is what inspires me.
What advice do you have for current WINS Academy learners or those considering enrolling?
Few organisations can contribute in such a highly specialised topic as nuclear security, but WINS is one. I am sure that this certification will pay off for them as professionals in the nuclear sector, so my advice is to take all the modules you can because you will hardly find similar material.
From Veyron Physics S.A de C.V:
How has your organisation benefitted from Nancy achieving Certified Nuclear Security Professional status?
Having a person with Certified Nuclear Security Professional status has helped the organisation acquire national leadership in nuclear security topics. It puts us at the vanguard and makes us a reference, demonstrating our reliability and giving us prestige.
Without a doubt, the benefits are especially noticeable, and they are a watershed in the development and achievement of our objectives.
“Having a person with Certified Nuclear Security Professional status has helped the organisation acquire national leadership in nuclear security topics.”
What role does WINS certification play in your institution’s professional development programme?
We consider WINS certification a professional specialisation in nuclear security expertise, and it is valued with a bonus. Therefore, this is highly valued and in the future, we will encourage more professionals in our institution and nationally to acquire this type of certification.
