NTI in Action

Securing, Consolidating and Reducing Fissile Material

Accelerating Russian HEU Blend-down, Phase II
To build on a previous project to analyze options for accelerating the elimination through blend-down of excess Russian highly enriched uranium by conducting additional analysis, refining options, promoting the accelerated blenddown concept in the United States, Russia and Europe, as well as prepare additional data necessary for Russian government decision making. Facilities and Institutes of Russian Ministry of Atomic Energy Moscow, Russia and others 2005–2006

Strengthening IAEA Programs to Secure Vulnerable Nuclear Material
To support the expansion of IAEA programs to secure vulnerable nuclear materials worldwide and to support the IAEA's ability to leverage additional financial contributions for these activities. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2002–2006

Removing HEU from Serbia
To contribute to the removal of poorly secured HEU from the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences by supporting the decommissioning of its research reactor and management of remaining spent nuclear fuel. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2002–2007

Consolidating and Blending Down HEU in Kazakhstan
To contribute to the security, consolidation and blend-down of all remaining HEU in Kazakhstan so that it cannot be stolen or diverted for use in nuclear weapons. Institute of Nonproliferation Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Ulba Metallurgical Plant Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan 2002–2006

Supporting Conversionfor Alatau Nuclear Research Reactor
To provide the equipment and incentives for the research reactor at the Institute of Nuclear Physics at Alatau to be converted to use low-enriched uranium fuel by providing a new reactor control and protection system that will improve reactor safety and a beryllium reflector to enhance reactor performance. Institute for Nuclear Physics Alatau, Kazakhstan

Planning to Secure and Remove HEU from Soviet-Supplied Research Reactors to Improve Safety and Reduce Proliferation Risks
To evaluate security, safety, regulatory, transportation and cost issues associated with removing fresh and spent HEU fuel from 24 poorly secured research reactors in 17 countries and to develop a comprehensive plan to remove the fuel. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2002–2006

Low Enriched Uranium Fuel Development for Russian Naval Reactors
To develop low-enriched uranium fuel for Russian civilian icebreakers and future floating nuclear power plants to replace HEU fuel at risk of theft and diversion. This project will provide the basis for a Russian-government decision to convert HEU powered icebreakers and to enable floating power plants to use non-weapons-usable fuels. Bochvar All-Russia Research Institute of Inorganic Material Moscow, Russia

Consultancy on Development of Research Reactor Regional Centers of Excellence
To convene technical consultancy meetings to develop proposals for Research Reactor Coalitions and Regional Centers of Excellence in 2006. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2006

Strategic Master Plan for Russian Research Reactors
To build on a previous successful project to define, at an aggregate level, the challenges associated with the continued use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel at research reactors and related facilities in Russia. This project will create a strategic master plan on the basis of a facility-by-facility survey to consider security requirements, HEU removal, spent fuel management, and reactor conversion opportunities for civilian research reactors in Russia. The resulting recommendations will provide necessary input to a comprehensive approach to phasing out HEU use in Russian civilian research facilities. Foundation for Atomic Energy in the 21st Century Moscow, Russia 2006-2008

Developing Nuclear Security Guidelines
To enable the IAEA to draft, publish and disseminate for the first time nuclear security guidelines or "standards" for all countries to use as a basis for securing their nuclear materials. Creation of these guidelines/standards will fill a critical gap in the IAEA's framework for strengthening global nuclear materials security. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2006-2007

Developing Research Reactor Coalitions and Regional Centers of Excellence
To develop research reactor coalitions and regional centers of excellence that can incentivize reactor operators to convert from highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel and accelerate shut-down of HEU fueled reactors. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2007-2008

Leveraging Resources to Address Nuclear Infrastructure and Human Capital

Development of Conversion Companies
To contribute $1 million to the Fund for Development of Conversion Companies, an existing Russian revolving loan fund, established to create permanent, commercially viable civilian businesses in the closed nuclear city of Sarov and provide sustainable employment for former weapons personnel. Fund for Development of Conversion Companies Sarov, Russia 2002–2006

Building Capacity at SarovLabs
To assist SarovLabs in becoming a self-sustaining, commercial contract research organization that employs former weapons scientists by providing project management and marketing support. SarovLabs Sarov, Russia 2003–2006

Development of Open Technopark
To support project and infrastructure development in the new Open Technopark, located just outside the closed nuclear city of Sarov in an area that provides free access to non-Russian companies and investors but is an easy commute for former weapons scientists and engineers from Sarov. This project will contribute to the creation of new jobs not related to nuclear weapons and accelerate the transition to a smaller, more stable and more secure Russian nuclear weapons complex. Center for Technologies Transfer "Sistema-Sarov" Sarov, Russia 2005–2009

Strategic Planning for Snezhinsk
To engage local and institute leaders from the closed nuclear city of Snezhinsk in strategic planning to support two key missions of the city over the next five years: downsizing the nuclear weapons facility and staff and securing the remaining nuclear materials at the site. The Eisenhower Institute Washington, DC, USA 2003–2006

Building Global Cooperation on Security Goals

Global Best Practices for Nuclear Materials Management
To continue a discussion among nuclear materials security professionals on how to promulgate "best practics" globally through the creation of a new institution that would lead to the implementation of more effective nuclear materials security programs at nuclear facilities worldwide so the materials are less vulnerable to terrorist diversion. NTI and others Washington, DC, USA 2005–2007

India, Pakistan and the Global Nonproliferation System
To convene a series of workshops in India and Pakistan that explore how the United States, India and Pakistan might strengthen their adherence to global nonproliferation norms and practices and build an international consensus around a new understanding of India's and Pakistan's relationships to the international nonproliferation system. The Henry L. Stimson Center Washington, DC, USA 2004–2007

Strengthening the Global Partnership
To develop a constituency among and beyond the Group of Eight (G-8) leading industrial nations for nuclear, biological and chemical threat reduction programs through partnerships with 21 security organizations from 16 nations. This project promotes the effective and timely implementation of the G-8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction's commitment to devote $20 billion to support nonproliferation projects, initially in Russia, over the next decade. Center for Strategic and International Studies Washington, DC, USA 2005–2007

Modeling Russia's Power Development Plan
To develop models of national and multinational nuclear fuel cycle concepts, with an emphasis on nonproliferation, economics and future excess weapons materials disposition. Kurchatov Institute Moscow, Russia 2003–2006

Supplementary Support for NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Nuclear Security Culture
To support a NATO-sponsored Advanced Research Workshop on "Nuclear Security Culture: From National Best Practices to International Standards" during October 2005 and follow-on involvement in an informal experts group that is working to support the development of International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines on nuclear security culture. Center for International Trade and Security University of Georgia Athens, GA, USA 2005-2006

Overcoming Impediments to Cooperation
To develop and promote practical means of overcoming obstacles to U.S.-Russian cooperation on reducing threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow, Russia; National Academy of Sciences Washington, DC, USA 2004–2006

U.S.-Russian Nonproliferation Working Group
To establish U.S.-Russian working relationships to reinvigorate the U.S. — Russian consensus on nonproliferation objectives and approaches and to create and identify shared interests and cooperative strategies for preventing the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA 2005–2006

Cooperation on Counterterrorism
To initiate and expand a joint initiative between the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Russian Academy of Sciences with special focus on new efforts to collaborate on science and technology solutions for sustaining nuclear materials security cooperation and removing obstacles to U.S.-Russian threat reduction programs. Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow, Russia; National Academy of Sciences Washington, DC, USA 2002–2006

Developing Multinational Fuel Services Approaches
To develop mechanisms that would guarantee cost-effective international nuclear fuel services in lieu of indigenous fuel production. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Washington, DC, USA 2005-2006

Universal Compliance: A Strategy for Nuclear Security
To support the creation and promotion of Universal Compliance: A Strategy for Nuclear Security, through initial meetings to develop the concept, the presentation of an internationally vetted document to the U.S. government and the promotion of the strategy in the run-up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and beyond. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Washington, DC, USA 2004–2006

Promoting Adherence to International Legal Instruments That Enhance Protection Against Nuclear Terrorism
To support IAEA efforts to increase member states' awareness and ability to control, account for and protect nuclear and other radioactive materials from terrorists and to detect and respond to such incidents. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2005-2006

Cooperative Threat Reduction in East Asia
This project aims to build political support for cooperative threat reduction on the Korean peninsula, promote contacts between national technical communities likely to be involved in such programs, provide support for developing specific CTR activities, and use regional expertise to adapt existing CTR approaches to the Korean peninsula. Center for Strategic and International Studies Washington, DC, USA 2006-2007

Concept Development Grant for Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Fuel Reserve to be Owned and Managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency
To promote the creation of a low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel reserve, owned and managed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to limit the spread of fuel cycle technology. Should NTI win the necessary support for this concept, up to $50 million will be put toward the initial establishment of such a reserve, to include the first three years of storage costs, the IAEA's management and oversight costs, and the purchase of the initial LEU deposit. An LEU fuel reserve that is buffered from politically motivated disruptions of nuclear fuel supply will add a unique tool to current national and international efforts to significantly reduce the need for new enrichment facilities. NTI and others Washington, DC, USA 2006

Analyzing the Technical and Political Impediments to Eliminating the Civil Use of HEU
To develop an analytical paper on the technical and political impediments to ending the use of HEU in civil commerce. Council on Foreign Relations Washington, DC, USA 2005-2006

Generating New Thinking on Reducing Nuclear Risks

Promoting Responsible Nuclear Stewardship in India
To promote responsible government policies and practices related to the safety and security of nuclear weapons and materials in India by developing educational materials for policymakers and facilitating meetings among nuclear experts in India and other nations. Delhi Policy Group New Delhi, India 2003–2007

Deemphasizing the Role of Nuclear Weapons
To produce a report with practical proposals for removing U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons from Cold War nuclear postures and a follow-on report that explores options for the creation of a new multilateral arms control regime. School for International Security and World Politics at the Institute of U.S.A. and Canada Studies Moscow, Russia 2004–2006

Ballistic Missile Defense and Nuclear Stability in Asia
To assess the impact of ballistic missile defense on the strategic interactions and stability among India, Pakistan, China and Taiwan. Center for International Security and Cooperation Stanford University Palo Alto, CA, USA 2005–2007

The Impact of Multi-Lateral Forensics on Nuclear Terrorism
To develop a paper addressing the impact of multi-lateral forensics on nuclear terrorism. University of California — Goldman School of Public Policy Berkeley, California, USA 2006

International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nobel Peace Prize Display
To support the creation of a permanent display for the Agency’s Nobel Peace Prize that will highlight its support of world peace. International Atomic Energy Agency Vienna, Austria 2006

Promoting Science Security

Educating and Training the International Life Sciences Community on Dual-Use Dangers
To assess the best methods for educating and training life scientists about the risks of dual-use technologies and research and to cultivate a project for curriculum development in this area. NTI Washington, DC, USA 2005–2006

International Council for the Life Sciences
To support the creation and sustainability of a bioindustry standards organization, the International Council for the Life Sciences, to develop normative standards to reduce potential proliferation of dangerous pathogens and the misuse of technical information. International Council for the Life Sciences Washington, DC, USA 2005-2006

An International Forum on Biosecurity
To create an International Forum on Biosecurity to engage scientists and policymakers around the world to reduce the risk that research in the biological sciences might be misused by terrorists. National Academy of Sciences Washington, DC, USA 2004–2006

The Anti-Plague System of the Former Soviet Union: Assessing Proliferation Risk and Conversion Potential
To examine anti-plague systems in eight countries that were part of the former Soviet Union with respect to biosecurity and proliferation of biological agents, with the goal of improving disease surveillance and the security and safe handling of dangerous pathogens. Monterey Institute of International Studies, Washington, DC, USA; M. Akimbaev Kazakh Center for Quarantine and Zoonotic Diseases Almaty, Kazakhstan 2003–2006

FSU Hepatitis Vaccine Manufacturing Feasibility Study
To test the possible commercial manufacture of vaccines at a proposed new production facility involving professionals previously engaged in biological weapons work. State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (VECTOR) and the High Technology Foundation/Gorbachev Project Novosibirsk, Russia 2001-2006

Reducing the Likelihood of Leakage of Bioweaponsrelated Materials and Expertise
To present a five- to ten-year vision of a biological research and production environment in Russia that reduces the likelihood of the outflow of bioweapons related materials and expertise from Russian facilities to hostile states and terrorist groups. National Academy of Sciences Washington, DC, USA (in partnership with the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia) 2002–2006

Integrating Scientists into the International Research Community
To further integrate former Soviet scientists into the international research community, by funding scientists from the former Soviet bioweapons program to attend a variety of highly respected research conferences that bring together top scientists to present and discuss cutting-edge scientific research and ideas. Gordon Research Conferences West Kingston, RI, USA 2001–2006

AAAS-NTI Fellowship in Global Security
To strengthen scientific expertise in national security policymaking and encourage scientists to pursue careers in this arena, by supporting biomedical/public health experts to work on national security issues in the U.S. government through a oneyear fellowship. American Association for the Advancement of Science Washington, DC, USA 2001–2007

Brucellosis Vaccine Research
To develop a new vaccine to contribute to the management of this disease that threatens domestic and wild animal populations around the world while employing former Soviet bioweapons scientists. All-Russian Research Veterinary Institute Kazan, Russia; International Science and Technology Center Moscow, Russia (in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State) 2003–2006

Employing Former Bioweapons Scientists in Russia to Manufacture Diagnostic Enzymes for Endemic Infectious Disease Threats
To support the establishment of a laboratory for the production of enzymes used in the diagnosis of endemic infectious disease threats. The laboratory will employ former bioweapons scientists who are at imminent risk of unemployment owing to proposed closure of the newly formed State Research Center for Applied Microbiology (SRCAM) at Obolensk, Moscow Region. SRCAM Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russia 2005-2007

Joint Training on Laboratory Biosecurity and Biosafety in Egypt
To convene a workshop to raise awareness of the threat of bioterrorism and the need for safe and secure handling of dangerous biological materials in bioscience facilities. Academy of Scientific Research and Technology Cairo, Egypt 2006-2007

Strengthening Global Disease Surveillance Early Detection and Rapid Response

Rapid Outbreak Response Revolving Fund
To create within the World Health Organization an account dedicated to supporting rapid emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks. World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland 2003–2006

Developing Diagnostic Kits for Select Biological Agents
To develop rapid diagnostic tests for select biological agents of most significance to Russia, to introduce them to healthcare practices and to organize manufacturing of such tests. Once developed, these tests could help fill a critical global need for better diagnostic tests for the detection of infectious diseases. Moscow State Central Research Institute for Epidemiology of the Health Ministry of Russia Moscow, Russia 2005–2008

Development of a National Action Plan for a Disease Surveillance System in Pakistan
To develop a disease surveillance system in Pakistan that will link with other countries in the region, such as India, to ensure the capability of a joint response to potential biological threats. National Disease Surveillance Project, Ministry of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan 2005–2006

International Organizations Bioterrorism Tabletop Exercise
To convene and host a tabletop exercise in 2006 for senior leaders from international organizations. During the exercise, critical issues related to cooperation and coordination in the event of an act of bioterrorism were discussed with a goal of facilitating enhanced interagency and intersectoral coordination and collaboration. Applied Marine Technology, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA, USA 2005–2006

Model Disease Surveillance System in Iran
To support policy collaborations between American specialists at the Policy and Global Affairs Division of the National Research Council (NRC), acting on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences, and Iranian specialists at the Iranian Academy of Sciences, in their work to develop a model program of disease surveillance in Iran. National Academy of Sciences Washington, DC, USA 2005–2007

Public Health Preparedness: State of Georgia Planning and Practice Model
To improve bioterrorism preparedness by assessing the preparedness of Georgia’s public health and emergency response systems through a series of site visits and tabletop exercises to be conducted at the state and local levels; refining training and assessment materials, including template exercises, for use in other states; and providing joint terrorism-related training for state and local security and health agencies. RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA, USA; State of Georgia; Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA 2004–2006

Improving Biological Threat Detection and Surveillance in Russia
To engage experts from the animal and human health systems in Russia to determine a comprehensive strategy for upgrading and integrating their infectious disease surveillance systems. NTI and others Washington, DC, USA 2006-2007

Middle East Consortium on Infectious Disease Surveillance
To improve regional capacity for infectious disease surveillance in the Middle East by developing a food-borne and waterborne disease surveillance system uniting Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan and by designing an infectious disease epidemiology course to build regional rapid response capabilities in the event of disease outbreaks. Search for Common Ground Washington, DC, USA and others 2002–2007

Strengthening National Health Preparedness
To assess preparedness for biological and chemical attacks in several nations by establishing and testing a set of international guidelines for preparedness, comparing them against existing public health capabilities that states have in place and making recommendations for improving those capabilities. World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland 2004–2007

Building Capacity for Regional Bioterrorism Preparedness in Asia
To support an online symposium on bioterrorism preparedness for interested Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries. International Institute for Strategic Studies, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA 2005–2006

Biological Weapons Threat Reduction Expanding Outbreak Reporting and Education in the New Independent States
To reduce the threat of biological weapons and other emerging infectious diseases in the new independent states, the International Society for Infectious Diseases will expand the scope of a Russian language–based electronic network (PROMED) that rapidly disseminates information about outbreaks of infectious diseases, including potential biological weapons attacks, to include more physicians, scientists and public health officials throughout the new independent states. International Society for Infectious Diseases Brookline, MA, USA 2005–2008

Creating a Regional Disease Surveillance System in South Asia
This project builds on NTI's experience developing a regional disease surveillance network in the Middle East with Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority, to create a regional disease surveillance network. NTI Washington, DC, USA 2005–2007

Pandemic Influenza Simulation Exercises in Southeast Asia
To strengthen national and sub-regional disease surveillance capacity in the Mekong Basin area (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and China-Yunnan province) and develop a system that operates across borders, responds quickly to regional disease threats, and works to create equity in the national capacities to detect and respond to local outbreaks. NTI and others Washington, DC, USA 2006-2007

Securing and Destroying Chemical Weapons Stockpiles

Supporting Russian Chemical Weapons Destruction
To provide $1 million, matched by a minimum of $2 million from other sources, for high-priority infrastructure development for the Shchuch'ye Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility. Global Partnership Program; Canada Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ottawa, Canada 2001-2006

Turning the D into an A

Global Security Newswire
To support a one-stop global newsstand — available exclusively on the NTI website — with original reporting and a comprehensive snapshot of the day's global news on nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, terrorism and missile issues. National Journal Group, Inc. Washington, DC, USA 2004–2007

Global Health and Security Outreach
To develop and implement outreach activities to advance the agenda and activities of NTI’s Global Health and Security Initiative. NTI Washington, DC, USA 2005–2007

Research and Analysis
To conduct research and analysis to support NTI projects and activities. Monterey Institute of International Studies Center for Nonproliferation Studies Monterey, CA, USA 2004-2006

Online Research Center and Library
To build, expand and update a comprehensive online research library with information, analysis and educational materials about the threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. The library builds on the most comprehensive open-source nonproliferation databases in the world and brings together a range of expert opinion and analysis on these issues. Monterey Institute of International Studies Center for Nonproliferation Studies Monterey, CA, USA 2004–2007

Last Best Chance — Public Education on Nuclear Threats
To produce and distribute a fact-based fictional film that illustrates the threat of nuclear terrorism. The film highlights the threats and what should be done to address them, and reminds viewers of the real human, political and economic costs of a nuclear terrorism incident. NTI (in conjunction with the Carnegie Corporation of New York and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation) Washington, DC, USA 2004–2006

South Asian Security and WMD Website Module
To continue a weapons of mass destruction module on the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies website that draws from South Asian, Chinese and Central Asian sources and provides comprehensive news analysis and reference materials relating to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and to support research, workshops and publications on nonproliferation and nuclear, biological and chemical threats. Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies New Delhi, India 2004–2008

Tracking Global Efforts to Improve Nuclear Security
To track the progress and budgets of global nuclear security programs with an annual report and website and make recommendations for accelerating the pace and effectiveness of this threat reduction work. Project on Managing the Atom, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard University Cambridge, MA, USA 2004–2008

Safer World Action Network
To engage and expand the network of individuals interested in efforts to reduce the threats from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and materials with the goal of inspiring individuals to become personally involved in efforts to expand and accelerate the pace of work to reduce these threats. NTI Washington, DC, USA 2005–2006

Public Opinion Project
To conduct public opinion research on the threats from weapons of mass destruction. NTI Washington, DC, USA 2002–2006

Religious Community Outreach Pilot Project
To support the Fourth Freedom Forum and the Inter-religious Network in holding more than 100 Last Best Chance screenings and nuclear dangers discussion groups in two states, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. Fourth Freedom Forum Goshen, Indiana, and Washington, DC,USA 2005–2006

Collaborative Education and Cooperative Security: A Joint Curriculum Project on Reducing the Nuclear Threat
To bring together Russian and American security experts to develop joint course materials that compare current nuclear security issues with the Cold War experience and explore new cooperative security arrangements to move from deterrence to reassurance. School for International Security and World Politics at the Institute of U.S.A. and Canada Studies in Moscow, Moscow, Russia; Center for International and Security Studies, School of Public Affairs, University of Maryland College Park, MD, USA 2001–2006

Public Education Project: Turning the "D" into an "A"
To support NTI and Families of September 11 in raising public awareness about nuclear dangers throughout the United States. Activities include organizing screenings and discussions about the film Last Best Chance, television public service announcements and distributing educational materials that can be used in university courses to professors across the country. NTI Washington, DC, USA 2006-2007