The IV Study Mission to Vienna-based international organizations and think tanks took place from September 15 to 22, 2026. The program brought together Russian students and young professionals interested in international security, nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, and the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.

This year, the Mission coincided with the 70th session of the IAEA General Conference, in which the Primakov Center participated for the first time. This provided an opportunity to expand its' traditional format and give participants an inside look at the work of the Agency’s principal policy-making body.

For a detailed overview of the program and its outcomes, read the full report.

Participation in the IAEA General Conference showed the broad range of issues shaping today’s nuclear agenda. On the first working day, participants focused on the development of new nuclear technologies, global security, and practical mechanisms for responding to nuclear and radiological incidents.

At the Rosatom exhibition stand, participants discussed the prospects for small-scale nuclear power generation, explored projects involving small modular reactors and floating nuclear power units, and learned about Russia’s experience in implementing such technological solutions.

The conversation about the future of nuclear energy then turned to international security challenges. At the U.S. exhibition, the group met with Christopher Yeaw, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation. This was followed by a series of General Conference side-events addressing undeclared nuclear material, nuclear security, artificial intelligence, and other emerging challenges in the field of non-proliferation.

The day concluded with a visit to the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre. Participants learned how the Agency’s round-the-clock response system operates — from receiving information about nuclear and radiological events to exchanging data and coordinating emergency response measures.

The second day of the program began at the Open Nuclear Network (ONN), where participants played the role of forecasters. The group assessed the likelihood of two scenarios: Iran’s withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a nuclear test conducted by one of the signatories to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). During the session, participants analyzed the political, technical, and strategic factors that could shape how these scenarios might unfold.

One of the central meetings of the Mission was a discussion with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. The young professionals asked about Iran’s nuclear program and proliferation risks in the Middle East, the safety and security of civilian nuclear facilities amid armed conflicts, the ITER project, prospects for floating nuclear power units, the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies, and international cooperation in this field.

The discussion of technological innovation continued at a Rosatom side event, “AI in Nuclear Energy: Implementation, Safety and Scaling.” Experts discussed the practical applications of artificial intelligence in the nuclear industry, approaches to ensuring safety, and the conditions required to scale up new technological solutions.

Participants then visited the IAEA Department of Safeguards. Alexey Anichenko, Director of the Division of Scientific and Technical Support, introduced the group to the key principles of the safeguards system and explained how the Agency verifies that states comply with their commitments. Particular attention was given to the practical aspects of inspection activities, including the equipment used to inspect and monitor nuclear facilities.

The day concluded with a plenary meeting of the 70th IAEA General Conference, allowing participants to connect the expert discussions they had attended with the realities of the multilateral negotiations.

The third day began at the IAEA laboratories in Seibersdorf. At the Visitors Centre, participants explored applications of nuclear science and technology in agriculture, food security, medicine, industry, and environmental protection.

The group then moved from an overview of the field to practical examples. At the Environmental Sample Laboratory, participants learned how the analysis of air, water, and other samples helps the IAEA verify the peaceful nature of states’ nuclear activities. The group also visited laboratories where nuclear technologies are used to control insect pests and develop more resilient plant varieties.

Back at the Vienna International Centre, participants discussed the work of international organizations and professional opportunities available to young specialists in the field of global security. Rebecca Jovin, Head of the Vienna Office of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), spoke about the Office’s activities and responsibilities, while representatives of the CTBTO Youth Group, the UN Youth Nuclear Network, and the Young Leaders Fund shared their professional experiences.

The next part of the program was a meeting with Dr. Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). The discussion focused on the CTBT's role in the contemporary nuclear non-proliferation architecture, the prospects for developing the verification system, and the challenges that the Organization will face in the coming years.

The discussion was followed by an introduction to the Commission's practical work. Participants visited facilities of the International Monitoring System, including ground-based and rooftop stations, and traced the path of the data to the International Data Centre — from its collection at facilities around the world to its processing and analysis by specialists.

The working day concluded at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), where participants discussed international cooperation in space exploration and the peaceful uses of outer space, as well as ways to apply space technologies in support of sustainable development.

The central event was a meeting with Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the International Organizations in Vienna. The discussion allowed participants to revisit the key themes of the week: the role of international organizations in the field of security, nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, and the importance of multilateral diplomacy.

This was followed by a series of thematic briefings with Russian diplomats. Roman Ustinov, Deputy Permanent Representative; Evgeny Shamin, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission; First Secretaries Ekaterina Blagodarina and Vyacheslav Kosarev; and Third Secretaries Anastasia Shavrova and Anton Gerasimchuk spoke with participants about nuclear safety and security, the IAEA safeguards system, and technical cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies. Separate briefings focused on the nuclear program of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the achievements and prospects of the CTBT.

The IV Study Mission to Vienna concluded with an official reception. During the event, Permanent Representative of Russia Mikhail Ulyanov and Executive Director of the Primakov Center Victoria Karslieva presented participants with certificates of completion. Participants and organizers noted that educational and outreach initiatives of this kind provide not only an opportunity to learn from leading experts, but also a platform for building professional networks, exchanging experience, and developing a community of young professionals committed to advancing international cooperation in the field of security.