Global Security Newswire

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration on Thursday said it had joined with the International Atomic Energy Agency to organize nuclear forensics training for officials from 12 nations (see GSN, Nov. 8, 2011).

The 24 participants at the recent International Workshop on Nuclear Forensics Methodologies at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington state came from Argentina, Brazil, China, Georgia, Hungary, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and Uzbekistan. Agencies that provided the expert instructors included the Energy Department, FBI and European Commission Joint Research Center.

Nuclear forensics, according to an NNSA press release, "is the popular term for the scientific characterization and analysis of nuclear or other radiological materials, which can provide critical information on the place of origin and process history of nuclear materials. This information can help national authorities determine how and where control of material was lost and, when combined with law enforcement and intelligence information, can facilitate the prosecution of smuggling cases."

“Our partnership with the IAEA spans many areas, but nowhere is it more important for us to work together than in combating the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials,” NNSA Deputy Administrator Anne Harrington said in provided comments.  "An international approach to develop nuclear forensics capabilities and train experts strengthens nuclear security cooperation, builds confidence among states, and contributes to the global efforts to prevent nuclear and radiological smuggling.”

Added IAEA Senior Nuclear Security Officer David Smith: "“In developing this workshop, we provided states the latest developments and technical guidance needed to conduct a comprehensive nuclear forensic investigation, and we have strengthened our partnership in the international fight against the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials. The workshop emphasized the essential contribution of nuclear forensics to a comprehensive nuclear security infrastructure.  The NNSA is an essential partner in providing U. S. national laboratory expertise, curriculum development, and an international team of instructors to enhance nuclear forensics training opportunities globally.  We look forward to our continued joint efforts to strengthen nuclear forensics capabilities internationally" (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, March 8).