Simon Adu

Short Bio:

Simon Adu is currently a postdoctoral researcher and a 2023-2024 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow with the Center for Nuclear Security Science and Policy Initiatives (NSSPI) at Texas A&M University where he is researching the nuclear security and nonproliferation concerns of SMR deployment. He previously worked as the Head of Nuclear Security Department of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority in Ghana. Prior to that, he worked with the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in the Radiation Protection Institute for 8 years as a research scientist and was the manager of the Safety, Security, and Safeguards Center. His areas of expertise include radiation protection, nuclear security, non-proliferation, and nuclear safety. His duties have included the drafting of nuclear security regulations, the inspection of research reactors and radiological facilities, and the training of front-line officers on radiation safety and the use of radiation detection equipment. He serves as an International Atomic Energy Nuclear Security Expert, ENCO certified trainer on radiation safety and security for frontline officers, and a lecturer at the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences at the University of Ghana. He is also co-founder of the African Center for Science and International Security (AFRICSIS). In this capacity, he has been involved in AFRICSIS activities that offer expertise to governments, organizations, and stakeholders in developing robust security frameworks and protocols to prevent unauthorized access to nuclear materials and to mitigate the risks associated with nuclear terrorism. Furthermore, Dr. Adu has vital experience in organizing workshops and training programs focused on nuclear security that bring together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from Africa and around the world to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and enhance the capacity of individuals and organizations involved in nuclear security efforts. He has participated in IAEA INSSP mission as an expert in several countries in Africa such as Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda to share his experience in areas such as threat assessment, detection measures as well as sustainability of the nuclear security regime. He has been a member of the CBRN committee in Ghana and was involved in the development of the CBRN national action plan (NAP) in Ghana.

NSSPI Publications:

1. S. Adu, S. Birikorang, Z. Ndum, M. Yim, and C. Marianno, "Assessing the Feasibility and Risks of Small Modular Reactor Deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Geopolitical and Security Analysis", INMM25: Advancing Nuclear Materials Management for a Safer Tomorrow, August 24–28, 2025. Washington, DC.


2. S. Adu, H. Foy, K. Velichkov, and S. Birikorang, "Addressing Regulatory Gaps in Uranium Transport: A SADC Case Study", 21st International Symposium on the Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials (PATRAM 2025), July 27 to August 1, 2025, San Antonio, Texas, USA


3. S. Birikorang, S. Adu, and Z. Ndum, "Assessment of Security Risks in the Shipment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Ghana Case Study", 21st International Symposium on the Packaging and Transportation of Radioactive Materials (PATRAM 2025), July 27 to August 1, 2025, San Antonio, Texas, USA


4. S. Birikorang, S. Dahunsi, S. Adu, C. Nketia, and A. Blay, "Assessing nuclear energy and radiological risks: a case study of radionuclide dispersion from potential nuclear power plant accidents in Ghana.", Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 2025 Apr 7;201(5):333-350.


5. S. Adu, "Critical Analysis of Security of Radioactive Sources in Sub-Saharan Africa", Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Annual Meeting, 21-25 July 2024, Portland, Oregon.


6. S. Adu, "Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Deployment in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA): Addressing Nuclear Security Threats", International Conference on Nuclear Security: Shaping the Future, 20-24 May 2024, Vienna, Austria.