The events of 11 September 2001 reminded us of the importance of taking preventative action in the field of nuclear terrorism as well as measures to mitigate the effects of any such attack. We have seen, in the last 10 years, a new and potentially hazardous form of smuggling: that of nuclear and radioactive materials. The threat of terrorist activities involving nuclear materials has now become a matter of concern. Dispersion of such materials over urban areas, their introduction to the food chain or drinking-water system are examples of currently perceived risks to modern society. Following its early involvement in a large number of cases of illicit trafficking and environmental issues, the Institute for Transuranium Elements developed a new discipline to support Member State authorities to combat illicit trafficking and to deal with criminal environmental issues: nuclear forensic science. Significant expertise and experience have been gained in this area, ranging from scientific development work, actual investigation of a large number of seizures, tools for data interpretation, establishing contacts with competent authorities, and organizing training sessions and workshops in co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, particularly with central and eastern European countries.
展开▼
