PNNL Leads International Exercise to Strengthen Nuclear Forensics

[Marlin]

PNNL Leads International Exercise to Strengthen Nuclear Forensics

https://www.pnnl.gov/publications/pnnl-leads-international-exercise-strengthen-nuclear-forensics

[Core Content]

CMX-8 participants in Chile donned personal protective equipment during their simulation. Chile was one of 26 countries and 27 laboratories to run scenarios of security incidents involving materials found outside of regulatory control

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently concluded the eighth Collaborative Materials Exercise, an international effort involving 26 countries and 27 laboratories. The simulation tested investigative responses to nuclear materials found outside of regulatory control. Participants analyzed evidence to determine material origins, safety risks, and potential connections to broader security threats.

These recurring exercises standardize global forensic capabilities and improve coordination between scientists and law enforcement agencies. By practicing the analysis of radiological evidence alongside conventional forensic data, participating nations refine their ability to track illicit nuclear materials. This work supports international nonproliferation goals and strengthens the technical infrastructure required to manage potential nuclear security incidents.

Global exercise advances nuclear forensic science and investigative capabilities.

CMX-8 participants donned personal protective equipment during their simulation. This year, 26 countries and 27 laboratories ran scenarios of security incidents involving materials found outside of regulatory control.

Imagine a suspicious package being intercepted at a border crossing. Inside is a small amount of uranium. Investigators need to know what it is, where it came from, if it is dangerous, and whether it is connected to a larger security threat. In a real incident, scientists and law enforcement officials would have little time to begin piecing together those answers.

Read the full article at PNNL:
https://www.pnnl.gov/publications/pnnl-leads-international-exercise-strengthen-nuclear-forensics