Head of the International Cooperation Department of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs (KhNUIA) Tetiana Matiushkova, at the invitation of American partners, participated as an observer in a pilot course on responding to radiological incidents at facilities and during the transportation of ionising radiation sources.

The training was organized by the Office of Radiological Security of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy. The programme covered regulatory and legal frameworks, radiation protection principles, specific aspects of the security of stationary facilities and transportation of ionising radiation sources, as well as response procedures for security forces in cases of attempted unauthorized access to such sources.

The practical part of the course was delivered by its developers from the National Police of Ukraine. Participants worked through training scenarios and exercises based on real-life response situations. The course was piloted in accordance with international standards and practical experience in responding to radiological incidents.

Representatives of higher education institutions within the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, together with international experts, analyzed the course structure and content, methodological support for its modules, and approaches to conducting training sessions. Based on the discussions, recommendations were provided for further improvement of the programme.

During working meetings with representatives of the Office of Radiological Security, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the National Police of Ukraine, Tetiana Matiushkova discussed prospects for further cooperation, the organization of joint educational and training activities, and KhNUIA’s involvement in new professional development programmes.