The IAEA is launching a three-year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) in nuclear forensics science and radiological crime scene management with the aim of deterring the illicit trafficking of nuclear or other radioactive material.
Criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving or directed at nuclear or other radioactive material continue to present a threat to national and international security. In some cases, nuclear or other radioactive material out of regulatory control may be associated with illicit trafficking and/or intended for use in criminal acts. If intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material occur, undesirable outcomes may include severe harm to human health, damage to infrastructure and the environment and high costs for remediation, among others.
“The prevention of these acts through the deterrence of illicit trafficking is a critical component of nuclear security,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “Nuclear forensics together with radiological crime scene management are part of the response to events involving illicit trafficking, but can also help to prevent or discourage them This new CRP aims to support research projects that may range from the development of new forensic signatures to the use of robotics at crime scenes.”
The initiation of coordinated research projects by the IAEA is based on inputs from the Agency’s Member States. In line with the Nuclear Security Plan 2022-2025 provisions, the CRP aims to build upon prior IAEA projects and develop new and enhanced approaches to strengthening the connection between nuclear forensics science and radiological crime scene management.
