Successful case of multistakeholder partnerships in establishing networks for women in nuclear fields

Abstract

A multistakeholder partnership in nuclear security and nonproliferation programs involves partners from at least three sectors: the public sector, civic society, the private sector and/or academia. Each partner has specialized knowledge, experience, perspectives and resources that can help others achieve their goals and advance their work. This paper highlights several cases of successful collaborations among various stakeholders: national governments, nongovernmental organizations and U.S. national laboratories in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in nuclear security, and the unique value these types of collaborative efforts bring to the community. The paper analyses three cases of effective partnerships in this area: the collaborations between LANL and CNS under DOE NNSA Nuclear Security Women initiative in building two regional networks for women in nuclear security, the partnership between LANL and the World Institute for Nuclear Security to increase transparency and access to information related to DEIA implementation at a national laboratory, and CNS and Nuclear and Energy Research institute (Brazil) collaboration with the support from the Norwegian government, and other U.S. stakeholders to engage women in STEM from Latin America in the discussion of DEI initiatives and practices in the context of nuclear security and nonproliferation. Recommendations and lessons learned from establishing and maintaining such partnerships will also be shared. The paper will conclude with suggestions on how such partnerships can serve as a model for future similar collaborations supporting DEIA in nuclear fields.