Pilot Course on International Nuclear Safeguards Policy in Monterey

June 18, 2008

The James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) conducted a pilot course on international nuclear safeguards policy and information analysis on June 2-13, 2008 in Monterey. The course was developed and implemented as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Next Generation Safeguards Initiative.

This two-week course was taught by senior CNS and Monterey Institute faculty and staff with presentations by technical experts from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and other leading nonproliferation specialists. Lectures, briefings, and in-class exercises were focused on the following topics:

• Concepts, objectives, and history of nuclear safeguards
• Negotiation of safeguards agreements
• Overview of safeguards technology and techniques -- concepts, approaches and practices
• Safeguards information analysis and evaluation
• Effectiveness and limitations of safeguards
• Future development of safeguards

Sixteen course participants were selected on a highly competitive basis. They included 13 MIIS students and recent graduates, one student from the University of California, Los Angeles, one postdoctoral fellow from Stanford University, and a junior officer from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Students came from the following countries: Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Republic of Korea, Peru, Romania, Russian Federation, Spain, and the United States.

Four course participants will continue in-depth studies and research projects on safeguards issues at LLNL during two-month summer internships. The pilot course and internships are intended to contribute to the development of viable international safeguards career paths and solid curricula for a wide range of professionals, who will be performing safeguards-related responsibilities in the U.S. nuclear industry, the federal government, as well as at the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international organizations.

Funding for the course and the internships is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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