Alberto Monici is Technical Director of ETS Sistemi Industriali SRL and a Certified Nuclear Security Specialised Professional. He discusses the advantages of continuous professional development and the need for international cooperation on nuclear security.
What was your elective? Why did you choose it?
After the Foundation Module, which gave me an overview of security in the nuclear field, I’ve continued my study path following my previous background with the professional certification in Cybersecurity in the Nuclear Industry. This has helped me understand how cybersecurity is applied in the nuclear sector and the differences from other critical infrastructure domains, while increasing my knowledge of cyberspace. My base know-how in information technology has permitted me to develop a deep understanding of the new tasks and vision.
What are the benefits of the WINS Academy and becoming certified?
The WINS Academy is a unique opportunity to delve deep into nuclear security culture and related applicable aspects at a state-of-the-art level. WINS offers a complete plethora of security training and related certifications from cybersecurity to transport and communication with civil society. Certification is the natural first step to get involved and demonstrate one’s competence to their organisation and stakeholders.
“The WINS Academy is a unique opportunity to delve deep into nuclear security culture and related applicable aspects at a state-of-the-art level.”
What inspired you to become a WINS Academy Ambassador?
Security is an integral part of the process in modern industries and services and in a globalised world. Sometimes nuclear security is thought not to concern countries without active NPPs. The lessons learned from Fukushima or Chernobyl show us that security and safety are not limited by State borders; nor are cyberattacks. My role is to diffuse this awareness in Italy by promoting WINS Academy training and certification programmes to our organisations, associations and industries.
Why is ongoing professional development essential in the nuclear security sector?
New nuclear technologies like SMRs and fourth generation NPPs have stimulated fruitful discussions about new carbon-free energy resources – in Italy and beyond – and we need to be ready and upgraded for the security aspects as well. Professional development management at critical infrastructure such as nuclear or radioactive facilities and services is the basis developing awareness and understanding of how to manage security. WINS plays an important role in sharing their knowledge through the academy, workshops, Best Practice Guides etc. and contributes consistently in nuclear security awareness development.
“It is necessary to share knowledge, standards, rules and best practices in order to increase and harmonise expertise.”
How does international cooperation improve local nuclear security training?
Just as globalisation brings new challenges to create cheaper and more efficient products and services, in the nuclear sector all activities also have an international breadth and stimuli. It is necessary to share knowledge, standards, rules and best practices in order to increase and harmonise expertise.
