IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivers his remarks at the opening of the International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety held at the Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Experts from across the global nuclear community are meeting in Vienna this week for the International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety (TIC2026) to reflect on experience from past and recent nuclear projects and to explore how this knowledge can be used more effectively to guide decisions, avoid repeating what does not work, and accelerate the future of nuclear technology while maintaining the highest levels of safety.
The event will be held from 29 June to 3 July 2026 and has received more than 280 abstract submissions from authors representing 65 countries, reflecting strong international engagement. Participants from regulatory bodies, operating organizations, industry, academia, and international organizations bring diverse perspectives and experience to discussions on nuclear installation safety.
The conference comes as many countries expand or explore nuclear power programmes, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies. This renewed interest in nuclear energy brings new ambitions and expectations, placing increased focus on how safety is ensured in the development and deployment of these technologies.
Addressing the conference, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: "As nuclear programmes expand and technologies diversify, expectations on safety, efficiency and credibility are increasing. We must use our collective experience more intelligently and with more impact so future nuclear programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and with confidence".
Since its launch in 1998, the TIC conference series has provided a global platform for regulators, operators, designers, and other technical experts to share experience, examine challenges and strengthen approaches to nuclear installation safety.
"Nearly three decades after the first TIC conference, experience remains one of our most valuable resources. At the same time, new technologies and approaches are changing how we think about nuclear safety, requiring us to apply that experience in new ways and to address emerging challenges," said Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.
From Experience to Application
Under the theme Learning from the Past to Accelerate the Future, TIC2026 focuses on how experience gained across the nuclear sector can be used more effectively to inform decisions, address current challenges, and support future developments in nuclear installation safety.
The programme combines established areas of nuclear safety, including operating experience, safety assessment and international cooperation, with emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, advanced reactors, maritime nuclear applications, and the transfer of knowledge to future generations. Together, these discussions reflect the need to integrate experience with innovation in shaping the future of nuclear installation safety.
"The conference brings together nuclear safety stakeholders across different generations of nuclear projects and fields, creating a unique and highly inclusive forum to exchange experience, address key challenges, and strengthen approaches to nuclear installation safety," said Ana Gomez Cobo, Head of the IAEA Safety Assessment Section and Scientific Secretary of the conference.
Opening of the International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety held at the Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alongside technical discussions, the conference places strong emphasis on bringing forward the next generation of nuclear professionals and ensuring that knowledge and experience are effectively carried forward. A dedicated plenary session will explore how this knowledge can be transferred to those who will contribute to nuclear safety in the years ahead.
This theme continues through the final day of the conference, which includes a dedicated discussion on carrying safety forward and the role of future nuclear safety leaders.
The conference is organized as a 'green meeting', with measures such as digital documentation and sustainable practices aimed at reducing environmental impact.
The event forms part of the IAEA's broader efforts to support countries in strengthening nuclear safety through international standards, peer reviews, and technical cooperation. Discussions at TIC2026 will contribute to ongoing work to further strengthen safety approaches for both operating facilities and future nuclear technologies.
The full conference programme is available here . Some sessions are available via livestream here .
