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CTBT Science and Technology 2021 Conference

Invitation

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) relies on innovation to enhance the capabilities of the Treaty’s verification regime as well as to help move the Treaty closer to universalization and entry into force. As the sixth conference in the CTBT: Science and Technology series, SnT2021 is expected to bring together (physically as well as virtually) over 1000 scientists, technologists, academics, students and representatives of the CTBTO’s policy making organs. In addition, representatives from the fields of research and development, science
diplomacy, science advisory, media and advocacy will be present. The 25th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) presents an opportunity to review the scientific and technological advancements made and to project what developments can be expected in the next 25 years.


It is currently planned for SnT2021 to be hosted at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria, featuring a virtual component for active online participation. The structure of the conference will remain flexible to adapt for future changes of COVID-19 restrictions.

REGISTER
Location

Hofburg, Vienna, Austria

Date

28 June 2021 to 2 July 2021

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Invitation Brochure

Important Dates and Events

Registration open
7 October 2020
Abstract Submission Deadline
18 December 2020
Conference Start
28 June 2021

Registration, Submission of Abstracts and Financial Support

Online registration and abstract submission is accessible through conferences.ctbto.org/e/SnT2021. No registration fee will be charged. The working language of the conference is English. Prospective authors are asked to choose the appropriate theme and topic when submitting the abstract (maximum 200 words) of their presentation. Authors can select their preferred format as an oral or a e-poster presentation. While it is hoped that physical attendance at SnT2021 will be possible, active online participation is offered to ensure the conference remains fully accessible to both presenters and participants in case of COVID-19 restrictions.

In addition, authors are required to submit a short and very simple description (maximum 280 characters) outlining the abstract’s main contribution to the SnT2021 objectives. The selection of abstracts will be based on quality and relevance to the themes and topics of the conference. The Scientific Programme Group may reassign an abstract to an alternative topic in order to maintain a coherent scientific programme. By submitting an abstract, authors agree to the publication of their abstract and presentation material by the CTBTO. Accepted abstracts will be made available online and through the CTBTO Event mobile app and compiled into a book of abstracts. Short descriptions may be used for advertising presentations during the event and in the final conference report. A peer reviewed collection of publications will be produced from a selection of all abstracts submitted.

Abstract Submission

 

Conference Goals

  • To identify opportunities and methods for improving nuclear test monitoring and verification
  • To identify how scientific developments and cooperation can support national needs and frame policy objectives in support of the CTBT
  • To broaden and strengthen the engagement of the scientific communities working in test ban monitoring, including young scientists, and to enhance the geographic and gender representations of these communities
  • To support the exchange of knowledge and ideas between the CTBTO and the broader scientific community
  • To promote the wider civil and scientific applications of techniques and data used for test ban verification
  • To highlight the CTBT’s successful model for multilateral science diplomacy and cooperation

Themes

T1.1 The Atmosphere and its Dynamics

T1.2 The Solid Earth and its Structure

T1.3 The Oceans and their Properties

T1.4 Interaction Among the Earth’s Subsystems

T2.1 Characterization of Treaty-Relevant Events

T2.2 Challenges of On-Site Inspection

T2.3 Seismoacoustic Sources in Theory and Practice

T2.4 Atmospheric and Subsurface Radionuclide Background and Dispersion

T2.5 Historical Data from Nuclear Test Monitoring

T3.1 Design of Sensor Systems and Advanced Sensor Technologies

T3.2 Laboratories Including Mobile and Field Based Facilities

T3.3 Remote Sensing, Satellite Imagery and Data Acquisition Platforms

T3.4 Augmented Reality and Fusion of Data from Different Monitoring Technologies

T3.5 Data Analysis Algorithms

T3.6 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

T3.7 25 years of CTBTO: progress with verification technologies and looking towards the future 25 years and beyond

T4.1 Performance evaluation and modelling of the Full Verification System and its Components

T4.2 Systems Engineering for CTBT Verification

T4.3 IT, power systems and other Enabling Technologies

T4.4 Network Sustainability

T4.5 Resilience of the CTBT monitoring regime, including Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

T5.1 Science in Policy Discussions and Lessons Learned from Other Arms Control Agreements and Arrangements

T5.2 Experience with and Possible Additional Contributions to Issues of Global Concern such as Disaster Risk Mitigation, Climate Change Studies and Sustainable Development Goals

T5.3 Capacity Building, Education, Communication and Public Awareness

The Verification Regime

The IMS consists of 337 facilities worldwide which monitor the planet for signs of nuclear explosions. Over 90% of the facilities are already in operation, and the IDC in Vienna continuously processes this data stream. Both raw data and analysis results are made available to all 184 States Signatories of the CTBT. The processing and analysis of data from different sources must ultimately present an integrated picture to assist those who have to decide if an OSI should be conducted in order to clarify whether the Treaty has been violated.

About The Treaty

The 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions, everywhere and by everyone. Before the CTBT can enter into force, all of the 44 countries listed in Annex 2 of the Treaty must ratify. These countries possessed nuclear power or research reactors when the CTBT was negotiated. Eight of the Annex 2 States have not yet ratified: the People's Republic of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the State of Israel, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the United States of America.

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