The International Conference on Challenges Faced by Technical and Scientific Support Organizations (TSOs) in Enhancing Nuclear Safety and Security, which was held in Tokyo, Japan from 25 to 29 October 2010, concluded that “The IAEA should foster the establishment of a forum dedicated to nuclear safety infrastructure development issues related to scientific and technical support. Such a TSOF would meet regularly in between the international TSO conferences, establish close working relations with the Regulatory Cooperation Forum (RCF), and operate in conjunction with established regional TSO cooperation structures as well as with the NEA/CSNI on science related issues…” The recent event at the Fukushima NPS and the subsequent Ministerial Conference at the IAEA further highlighted the need of a TSOF. The IAEA, as Secretariat of this forum, will facilitate and promote coordination and collaboration of Member State activities.
