Nuclear Safeguards and Forensics

The Nuclear Safeguards and Security unit is active in the field of nuclear material safeguards. The Safeguards topic provides direct support to the Directorate General Transport and Energy (TREN), Nuclear Inspection and to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Research activities include development in analytical chemistry and radiation measurements for facilities handling large amounts of plutonium. Highly sensitive trace analysis is performed for the detection of clandestine nuclear activities and for the identification of seized materials from illicit trafficking. Analytical laboratories at the reprocessing plants in Sellafield (UK) and La Hague (France) are operated and continuously upgraded. In addition, nuclear material is analysed on a service basis for in-house and external customers.