Nuclear security as a European priority
The European Union has placed security and defence at the core of its priorities, aiming to ensure that citizens are safer and better protected by addressing all threats and being prepared to react to crises.
Within this broader framework, nuclear security plays a vital role. The IAEA’s Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB), which records confirmed nuclear security incidents, demonstrates that concerns about nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control are well grounded and must be addressed.
In this context, the European Nuclear Security Training Centre (EUSECTRA) is designed to address concerns of illicit trafficking that could be associated with crime and acts of terrorism, as well as to fight against inadvertent and unauthorised possession or trafficking of such materials. EUSECTRA provides training to detect and response to incidents where nuclear or other radioactive materials are out of regulatory control, including those not connected to criminal activities. Its activities support the EU’s strategic objective of protecting citizens, strengthening common borders, and promoting resilience through cooperation among police, border guards, customs and scientific experts.
Scientific excellence, unique facilities and real materials
Located at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, in Karlsruhe (Germany), EUSECTRA aims to improve Member States nuclear security capabilities. Based on the unique combination of scientific expertise, specific technical infrastructure and availability of a wide range of nuclear materials, EUSECTRA complements and supports national training efforts by providing realistic scenarios with real special nuclear material.
The training programme offers a unique opportunity for trainees to experience and practice with actual nuclear materials under safe conditions. EUSECTRA is one of the few places in the world where a wide range of samples of plutonium and uranium of different isotopic compositions can be used for training in detection, categorisation and characterisation.
EUSECTRA's training method immerses participants in real-life situations with precisely adapted scenarios, both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, one of the training areas simulates airport conditions, equipped with a pedestrian portal monitor and an X-ray conveyor belt, while outdoors, scenarios replicate border crossings and roadside inspections, allowing participants to practice border and within the country detection of illicit trafficking of nuclear material.
Complementing these practical environments, EUSECTRA also benefits from dedicated expert laboratories, such as the NDA (Non-Destructive Assay) Training Facility and the Nuclear Forensics Laboratory. These high-level laboratories provide a unique opportunity to perform both nuclear forensics and advanced analysis of fissile materials using state-of-the-art equipment, under expert supervision and ensuring high-precision measurement exercises. They enable trainees to gain hands-on experience with real nuclear materials under safe and control conditions.
Training programme
EUSECTRA applies a structured training methodology that ensures that every program responds to the real needs of its beneficiaries. The process begins with an assessment of needs, interests, and priorities of beneficiaries in close cooperation with them. This is followed by the design of a tailored program, the development and implementation of the training sessions, and finally, a thorough evaluation to monitor progress and integrate feedback for continuous improvement.
Rather than following a fixed catalogue, EUSECTRA tailors each course according to specific requests or operational needs. However, some training formats have become the most common and frequently requested due to their proven relevance and effectiveness.
This training program consists of a wide variety of nuclear security trainings, including
- Detection of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials at Borders: Aimed to equip law enforcement personnel with critical skills in radiation detection and response to strengthen the ability of customs and border guards authorities at border checkpoints to deter illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.
- Detection and Response to Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control: Designed to equip law enforcement personnel with essential knowledge and practical skills to detect, respond to, and deter the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials within a country. The program focuses on building operational proficiency in radiation detection technologies and the concept of operation for various systems and operational needs. Participants will learn to effectively utilize hand-held or body-carried detectors, mobile radiation detection systems, and fixed instruments to perform tasks such as securing premises at public events, conducting area surveys for radioactive sources, and investigating information alerts or equipment alarms.
- Core capabilities in Nuclear Forensics: This training course provides participants with the technical expertise and procedural knowledge required to establish and reinforce core nuclear forensic capabilities. It focuses on the systematic process of nuclear forensic analysis, including sample collection, categorization, characterization, and the interpretation of analytical results to generate scientific evidence. The course bridges technical competencies in radiation detection, crime scene management, and analytical techniques (on-site and in laboratory settings), with practical applications for supporting law enforcement investigations.
- Nuclear Forensics Advanced Capabilities: This specialized training course provides participants with advanced expertise in essential laboratory analytical techniques for nuclear forensics. Designed for scientists, forensic analysts, and laboratory technicians, the course focuses on mastering gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy to analyse nuclear materials and trace their origins. Participants will learn to extract, quantify, and characterize isotopic signatures, elemental compositions, and microstructural features to support criminal investigations or prosecution involving nuclear materials. The course is tailored to partner-specific needs, allowing flexible emphasis on a particular technique.
- Radiological knowledge for EOD officers: Intended to equip EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) officers with the knowledge and skills to effectively address the additional hazard posed by the presence of radioactive materials during their operations. It focuses on developing the ability to accurately detect, localize and identify radioactive substances. The training also enhances risk assessment and mitigation strategies, integrates radiation safety into standard operating procedures, and provides hands-on experience with equipment to ensure operational readiness and safety in scenarios involving radioactive hazards.
- Radiological Crime Scene Management: Focused on providing the participants with basic knowledge in radiological crime scene management. Radiological crime scene management is the process used to ensure safe, secure, effective and efficient operations at a crime scene where nuclear or other radioactive materials are known or suspected to be present. The training aims at bridging law enforcement procedure and nuclear measurement expertise in processing a crime scene which is (or is expected to be) associated with radioactive material.
- Training for Expert Support Teams on In-field Characterization of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials: Designed to equip scientific experts with the knowledge and tools to support frontline officers in the adjudication of radiation detection alarms or information alerts. Participants will learn advanced techniques for in-field identification and characterization of nuclear and other radioactive materials using gamma spectrometry and neutron detection.
- Isotopic Characterisation of Nuclear Materials: Designed to provide a comprehensive overview of determining isotopic compositions of nuclear materials using high-resolution gamma spectrometry. Participants will gain hands-on knowledge of the principles, methodologies, and data analysis techniques essential for isotopic characterization of plutonium and uranium.
- Train-the-Trainer course on radiation detection and response: The course prepares professionals to effectively deliver national-level training on the detection and response to nuclear and radiological materials out of regulatory control. Focused on practical implementation, participants develop skills to conduct hands-on, scenario-based exercises, ensuring trainees gain proficiency in using detection equipment and executing response protocols. The curriculum emphasizes efficient delivery of standardized training modules, adapting content to local regulations and operational contexts.
Beneficiaries of EUSECTRA
The direct beneficiaries and participants of EUSECTRA belong to various professional fields:
Law-enforcement that can intervene in the event of suspicious materials, such as police, customs and border guards.
Nuclear security trainers and educators. National instructors who then transfer the knowledge and practices in their countries through a train-the-trainer approach.
Nuclear scientists and experts from national authorities and ministries, such as representatives from national energy, environment, or civil defense institutions.
Political level and policy makers who, while not directly involved in detection or response, need to understand how nuclear security systems operate and how coordination among actors ensures effective preparedness and response.
EUSECTRA committed to international security
While EUSECTRA’s main priority is to provide support and training to EU Member States, its activities also extend beyond EU borders, contributing to build a strong and interconnected network that enhances global nuclear security.
Among EUSECTRA’s international partnerships, the Border Monitoring Working Group (BMWG) represents one of the strongest and longest-standing collaborations. Established in 2005 by the IAEA, the European Union, and the United States, serves as a platform to coordinate efforts in preventing and combating the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials. Its activities focus on radiation detection equipment deployment, joint training programs, and the exchange of best practices to strengthen border security worldwide. Through this cooperation, the partners share best practices, develop trainings together, and promote common approaches to detection and response, ensuring that global resources are used effectively and sustainably.
Training centre photos
See more images of the European Nuclear Security Training Centre on the European Commission Audiovisual Portal.
Contact information
For further information or training requests, please contact: JRC-EUSECTRA
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JRC-EUSECTRA[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)