Nuclear Forensics Summer School 2023 Boosts Expertise and GUAM Regional Collaboration

13 Sep 2023 - 15 Sep 2023

The Nuclear Forensics Summer School, hosted by the STCU in collaboration with the "National Nuclear Research Center" (NNRC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has successfully concluded its second edition, leaving a profound impact on both students and regional collaboration within the GUAM member states (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova).
Supported by joint funding from the European Union and the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (U.S. DOE/NNSA), the summer school aimed to kindle students' passion for scientific disciplines related to nuclear forensics. The school was held from September 13 to September 15, 2023, at the Nuclear Research Department of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This regional event brought together twenty-one students from GUAM countries, offering them the unique opportunity to learn from experts in nuclear forensics laboratories across GUAM, JRC Karlsruhe, and U.S. national laboratories. The school's objectives included raising awareness of nuclear forensics, teaching the principles of conducting forensic investigations, providing scientific fundamentals, and sharing examples of real-life cases involving nuclear and radioactive materials.
To achieve these goals, the Summer School instructors employed various teaching methods, which combined lectures, technical visits, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. The program covered scientific aspects, operational considerations, and real case studies, benefiting from the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities available at NNRC.
The success of the course underscored the feasibility of regional collaboration in building expertise in nuclear forensics. Students not only gained valuable insights from experts in their own countries but also established connections with international nuclear forensics professionals. Furthermore, the event facilitated the formation of a regional network among young researchers, fostering a keen interest in nuclear forensics. These connections are expected to serve as a vital support network for the emerging generation of nuclear forensics experts in the GUAM region.
The Nuclear Forensics Summer School 2023 stands as a testament to the commitment of GUAM member states to enhance nuclear forensics capabilities and promote cooperation among the next generation of experts, ensuring the safety and security of the region and beyond.

Contact Person: Elena Taberko