The NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT) organised a workshop on 25-26 March 2026 to advance collective understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) can support regulatory oversight and internal processes within nuclear regulatory bodies.
Workshop on AI in Regulatory Bodies The NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT) hosted a workshop on 25-26 March 2026, bringing together nuclear regulators and AI experts from 15 NEA member countries and international organizations. The event aimed to enhance collective understanding of AI's role in supporting regulatory oversight and internal processes within the nuclear sector. Practical Applications and Case Studies Participants presented case studies of AI tools already in use or under development, including AI for summarizing documents, enhancing simulations, and information retrieval from regulatory documents. The workshop facilitated open discussions on practical lessons learned, various use cases, and methods for identifying valuable AI applications. Key Takeaways: Establishing an AI Framework A significant takeaway was the necessity to establish a comprehensive AI framework within regulatory bodies. This framework should include clear procedures and guidance to govern the appropriate and safe use of artificial intelligence in regulatory functions. Key Takeaways: Scoping and Success Criteria for AI Projects The discussions highlighted that AI tasks and projects yield the best results when they are well-scoped. Additionally, it was emphasized that clear success criteria are crucial for both AI tools and overall AI projects to ensure their effectiveness and measure their impact. Key Takeaways: Addressing Cybersecurity and Data Protection Concerns regarding cybersecurity, data sovereignty, and data protection were addressed. Participants identified on-premise models and tools as a potential solution to mitigate these issues, offering greater control over sensitive data and infrastructure. Key Takeaways: Preserving Human Expertise in Decision Making Despite the advancements in AI, the workshop underscored the enduring importance of human expertise. It was concluded that human involvement remains essential for informed decision-making and for effectively leveraging the outputs generated by AI tools. Value of International Collaboration in AI Adoption Mr. Eetu Ahonen, Vice-Chair for the WGNT, emphasized the significant value of international collaboration. He noted that while regulators approach AI from diverse perspectives, their experiences with implementation, data security challenges, and the need for human oversight are remarkably similar. Open sharing and mutual learning strengthen the collective ability to use AI responsibly and efficiently for nuclear safety. The Role of the NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT) The workshop was a key activity of the NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT), which serves as a platform for regulators and technical support organizations to exchange information on regulating the life cycle of new technologies. The group aims to foster common understanding and develop common regulatory positions, with the NEA planning to publish a brochure detailing the workshop’s key findings, challenges, and good practices for AI in regulation.
Workshop on AI in Regulatory Bodies
The NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT) hosted a workshop on 25-26 March 2026, bringing together nuclear regulators and AI experts from 15 NEA member countries and international organizations. The event aimed to enhance collective understanding of AI's role in supporting regulatory oversight and internal processes within the nuclear sector.
Practical Applications and Case Studies
Participants presented case studies of AI tools already in use or under development, including AI for summarizing documents, enhancing simulations, and information retrieval from regulatory documents. The workshop facilitated open discussions on practical lessons learned, various use cases, and methods for identifying valuable AI applications.
Key Takeaways: Establishing an AI Framework
A significant takeaway was the necessity to establish a comprehensive AI framework within regulatory bodies. This framework should include clear procedures and guidance to govern the appropriate and safe use of artificial intelligence in regulatory functions.
Key Takeaways: Scoping and Success Criteria for AI Projects
The discussions highlighted that AI tasks and projects yield the best results when they are well-scoped. Additionally, it was emphasized that clear success criteria are crucial for both AI tools and overall AI projects to ensure their effectiveness and measure their impact.
Key Takeaways: Addressing Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Concerns regarding cybersecurity, data sovereignty, and data protection were addressed. Participants identified on-premise models and tools as a potential solution to mitigate these issues, offering greater control over sensitive data and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways: Preserving Human Expertise in Decision Making
Despite the advancements in AI, the workshop underscored the enduring importance of human expertise. It was concluded that human involvement remains essential for informed decision-making and for effectively leveraging the outputs generated by AI tools.
Value of International Collaboration in AI Adoption
Mr. Eetu Ahonen, Vice-Chair for the WGNT, emphasized the significant value of international collaboration. He noted that while regulators approach AI from diverse perspectives, their experiences with implementation, data security challenges, and the need for human oversight are remarkably similar. Open sharing and mutual learning strengthen the collective ability to use AI responsibly and efficiently for nuclear safety.
The Role of the NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT)
The workshop was a key activity of the NEA Working Group on New Technologies (WGNT), which serves as a platform for regulators and technical support organizations to exchange information on regulating the life cycle of new technologies. The group aims to foster common understanding and develop common regulatory positions, with the NEA planning to publish a brochure detailing the workshop’s key findings, challenges, and good practices for AI in regulation.
