Nuclear Security and Safeguards Human Capital Development Efforts at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), human capital development is integral for numerous reasons, especially in addressing the challenges related to the international nuclear security and safeguards communities. Nuclear security and safeguards require highly specialized knowledge and skills which few subject matter experts (SMEs) possess after formal education. Developing human capital ensures that the expertise and knowledge needed to secure nuclear materials, facilities, and technologies is retained and passed on to the next generation. Human capital development initiatives at LANL which support nuclear security and safeguards efforts include: • Establishing training programs, courses, and educational pathways that equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge in nuclear security and safeguards are crucial in developing human capital. National lab - university engagements that provide tailored curriculums in nuclear security and safeguards are instructed by lab SMEs, LANL awareness initiatives, and student internships provide exposure and develop pipelines into the nuclear security and safeguards complex. •  Knowledge management of existing SMEs: Knowledge management involves encouraging experienced experts to mentor and train the next generation of professionals. This has and will continue to take the form of one-on-one mentoring, attendance at conferences to teach or learn about specific topics or technical advancements, cataloguing and developing a network of legacy projects, and networking and developing relationships are extremely important to allow for continuity of knowledge from one generation to the next. • Professional development funds that incentivize existing nuclear security and safeguards experts to participate in trainings, courses, conferences, and events that broaden their knowledge and provide tools and skillsets to better contribute to their respective field. This effort will also promote the retention of personnel within the nuclear security and safeguards community. • Research and Innovation: Supporting research and development efforts to further advance the field and stay ahead of emerging threats will bring together experts from cross cutting disciplines. A rigorous, systematic approach to nuclear security and safeguards human capital development efforts will create a robust, sustainable pipeline of new talent into the discipline to better protect the world’s nuclear materials and facilities. This paper will further discuss some of LANL's nuclear security and safeguards human capital development efforts.