An international initiative to help safeguard nuclear materials worldwide was announced on 30 September. The World Institute for Nuclear Security plans to do for nuclear security what the World Association of Nuclear Operators, created in the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl power-plant accident, does for nuclear safety.

Better safeguards are planned for nuclear material. Credit: M. GHASEMI, ISNA/AP

The institute will bring together nuclear players, including scientific experts, to share sensitive information. Its goal is to strengthen accounting, control and physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities worldwide. The group, to be based in Vienna, is the brainchild of the Nuclear Threat Initiative group in Washington DC, co-chaired by former senator Sam Nunn and broadcast mogul Ted Turner. Roger Howsley, former director for security at British Nuclear Fuels, will be executive director.