This publication contains the proceedings of an international conference, held in Vienna, 3–6 September 2001. The topical issues addressed by the conference were: risk informed decision making; influence of external factors on safety; safety of fuel cycle facilities; safety of research reactors; and safety performance indicators. These proceedings contain the topical issue papers, keynote addresses, special presentations in the opening and final sessions, statements of the panel members and conclusions of the five sessions, conclusions of the panel discussion and the Chairman’s closing report. A CD containing the contributed papers is included in the rear cover of the book. Contents: Opening session; Topical issue No. 1: Risk informed decision making; Topical issue No. 2: Influence of external factors on safety; Topical issue No. 3: Safety of fuel cycle facilities; Topical issue No. 4: Safety of research reactors; Topical issue No. 5: Safety performance indicators; Another view of managing risks; Panel: Maintaining competence; Summaries of the topical issue sessions and the panel discussion.