On 14 and 15 January 2025, the VCDNP hosted a workshop at its Vienna offices on security risks and opportunities for the nuclear supply chain related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), involving representatives from national regulators, academia, industry, research institutes, and international organisations.
Led by VCDNP Senior Fellow Dr. Sarah Case Lackner, the workshop explored how AI technologies can impact the security of the nuclear supply chain, whether in the hands of malicious actors or used beneficially for applications in the nuclear sector, and whether the current nuclear security framework internationally is flexible enough to respond new challenges being introduced by AI.
The first day opened with presentations on three background papers commissioned as part of the overall project:
Following the briefings, participants engaged in small group discussions on the applications of AI in nuclear facilities, on how AI could help secure the supply chain, the ways the technology could be exploited by malicious non-state actors, and the implications of these developments for the international framework for nuclear security.
On the second day, discussions continued as participants debated policies, regulations, standards, and guidance that may be needed to mitigate possible malicious uses of AI while capturing the technology’s potential benefits.
Conversations were engaging and thought-provoking, and, in the words of one attendee, “this taught me how complex the issue of AI in the nuclear supply chain is. There is a lot of work to be done.”
Another participant shared the view that “AI is already part of the nuclear business. It’s both an opportunity and a threat.”
It was stressed that AI tools should be cautiously adopted, emphasising the need for AI to remain trustworthy and to build capacity for its safe and effective implementation. One participant observed: “AI is a tool like fire — it could heat our homes or burn them down. Awareness, response, and appropriate risk management are essential.”
The VCDNP expresses its sincere gratitude to all participants and contributors, reaffirming its dedication to fostering dialogue on the evolving challenges and opportunities at the intersection of nuclear security and advanced technology. The workshop’s rich discussions will guide future efforts to ensure that international nuclear security frameworks remain robust, adaptable, and equipped to address the complexities introduced by AI and modern supply chains. A detailed workshop report, highlighting key takeaways and insights, will be published in March 2025.
The VCDNP extends its heartfelt appreciation to Global Affairs Canada for its generous support, which made this important workshop possible.
