New institute aims to block nuclear theft

September 29, 2008

The World Institute for Nuclear Security, a new organization that seeks to bolster security at thousands of nuclear sites around the world in an effort to block atomic theft and terrorism, is being unveiled today in Vienna, Austria. The institute is starting with $6 million in donations and plans to expand in the next two years to an annual budget of $8 million and a staff in Vienna of a dozen or so nuclear specialists. The institute is being set up in Vienna mainly because of its proximity to the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which provides some nuclear security advice to U.N. members. Mohamed ElBaradei, the agency's director, is expected to be at the unveiling today and has strongly endorsed the institute.