The UK Office for Nuclear Regulation has announced a dedicated collaboration framework with the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office. Its November 13 account says the memorandum was signed at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Safeguards Symposium in Vienna.

The framework covers nuclear safeguards and security. Planned activities include joint research, technical collaboration, staff exchanges and training as the organisations prepare for emerging reactor technologies and civil maritime nuclear applications. ONR describes it as its first dedicated arrangement for cooperation in these areas.

The exchange brings together different regulatory experience. Australia’s office can draw on ONR’s work developing inspector competencies and professional training through its academy. ONR expects to benefit from the Australian office’s safeguards and non-proliferation expertise. The announcement describes a programme for strengthening regulatory capability as nuclear technologies develop.