Atomic Detectives: Exploring the Current State and Opportunities for Research and Education in Nuclear Forensics

Nuclear forensics is the analysis of nuclear materials, devices, emissions, and signals to determine the origin and history of those nuclear materials and devices. Recent reports (e.g., National Academy of Science, Department of Homeland Security, and National Nuclear Security Administration) have identified critical workforce development, technological capability, and infrastructure needs necessary to revitalize nuclear forensics research, training, and operations in the United States. This panel session will bring together leaders in the field from national laboratories, government agencies, and academia to discuss the state of nuclear forensics (globally and domestically), current technical and operational challenges driving research and development needs, and future workforce and infrastructure requirements.