SITEX.Network’s Vision & Strategy: strengthening radioactive waste management safety through independent expertise & collaboration.
The safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste (RWM) is one important challenge of our time. Ensuring a high-quality expertise function (supporting the Nuclear Regulatory Authorities, NRAs), independent from the function of the Waste Management Organisations (WMOs, responsible for implementation the RWM programmes) is key in global RWM governance.
That’s where SITEX.Network comes in. SITEX.Network recently highlighted its vision, mission and objectives in a “Vision document”. This document can be consulted here. Its main messages are provided below.
➡️ VISION
A high-quality, sustainable expertise function in RWM safety—independent from the WMO function—built through strong collaboration with NRAs and civil society organisations (CSOs). SITEX.Network aims to coordinate and advocate for these goals internationally, fostering a dynamic, inclusive network that elevates safety standards.
➡️ MISSION
SITEX.Network is a partnership of independent organisations that provide the scientific and technical foundations for:
✅ Regulatory decision-making (ensuring safety in RWM programmes);
✅ Societal engagement (enhancing transparency and trust in safety case reviews).
SITEX.Network operates independently from WMOs, bridging the gap between technical expertise, regulatory needs, and societal concerns—in full alignment with the Aarhus Convention on public participation.
Our members—NRAs, Technical Support Organizations (TSOs), Research Entities (REs), and CSOs—bring diverse perspectives to ensure robust, well-informed RWM governance.
➡️ KEY OBJECTIVES
To turn its vision into reality, SITEX.Network focuses on five strategic pillars:
1️ – Share Expertise & Build Mutual Understanding → A platform for collaboration, helping members strengthen their expertise, identify shared challenges, and prioritise joint actions.
2️ – Advance & Preserve Scientific Knowledge → Developing, preserving, and consolidating the technical foundations of RWM safety—through training, literature reviews, and knowledge-sharing.
3️ – Tackle Complex Sociotechnical Issues → RWM isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a social one too. We explore the interactions between technical and societal factors to ensure holistic safety assessments.
4 – Foster Stakeholder Interaction → Different stakeholders (e.g., experts, regulators, civil society) often speak different “languages”. We develop and test methodologies to improve dialogue, trust, and decision-making.
5 – Engage with Global Partners → By connecting with international associations and institutions, we amplify our impact, enhance visibility, and ensure our work aligns with global best practices.
Radioactive waste management demands independence, transparency, and inclusivity.
SITEX.Network is:
✔ Ensuring expertise function remains independent from WMO function.
✔ Bridging the gap between science, regulation, and society.
✔ Promoting open, evidence-based dialogue on RWM safety.
Because safe, sustainable RWM isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a societal responsibility.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Visit SITEX.Network and join the movement for safer, more transparent radioactive waste governance!
#NuclearSafety #RadioactiveWaste #IndependentExpertise #CivilSociety #RegulatoryTransparency #SITEXNetwork #Sustainability #PublicParticipation #RWM