Webinar for Expert Meetings on Special Studies and Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) with Waveform Methods with RadioNuclide (RN) and Atmospheric Transport Modelling (ATM) Methods

Webinar held through the WebEx video-conferencing platform

DATE
12 February 2025
 
TIME
15:00-17:00 UTC
 
LANGUAGE
The working language will be English
 
OBJECTIVES
The Treaty Protocol specifies that the IDC is required to react to requests from State Signatories for so-called Requested Services. In the usual series of technical meetings, we are interested in defining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the specific requests of a Special Analysis, which can have two distinct services called Special Studies and Expert Technical Analysis, and in developing the methods used in these services.  

Special Studies provide in-depth, technical reviews by expert analysis of data coming from the CTBT’s International Monitoring System (IMS) to improve the estimated values for the standard parameters, resulting in an Updated Radionuclide Report (URR) or an Updated Event Bulletin (UEB). The purpose of the Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) of IMS data and other relevant data provided by the requesting State Signatory is to assist the State Signatory concerned in identifying the source of specific events. The output of an ETA is the State Requested Methods Report (SRMR). The National Screened (Radionuclide) Event Bulletin (NS(R)EB) is also a possible Requested Service and was already introduced in past meetings. It needs to be reviewed and refined.  

Join us for an informative webinar where you will be updated on the latest status of procedures for Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) and Special Studies, as well as the current status of developments for methods and 
software at the IDC.  

Attend this webinar to: 

• Stay informed about the latest procedures and requirements for ETA and Special Studies; 
• Understand the current state of developments and their impact; 
• Engage with our experts and ask questions in a live Q&A session
• Get involved in shaping the content for the next live workshop.  

The next in-person session for Expert Meetings on Special Studies and ETA for Waveform Methods, and for RN and ATM Methods, will be held in October 2025. 
 

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

• Overview of the current Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) documents for ETA and Special Studies 
• Update on recent changes and developments affecting ETA and Special Studies applications  
• Updates regarding the status of:
  - ETA and Special Studies flow charts
  - Ongoing software developments 
  - New developments   
• Q&A session with our experts 

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Experts from NDCs and research establishments involved in testing, applying, and developing waveform, radionuclide, or ATM methods that may be suitable for inclusion into the IDC automatic processing pipelines or may be applicable to Special Studies and Expert Technical Analysis. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applicants are invited to register online at the Conferences, Training & Workshop (CTNW) platform of the Commission at http://ctnw.ctbto.org by 2 February 2025.

States Signatories wishing to nominate experts to participate are requested to inform the Provisional Technical Secretariat (see Point of Contact) through their respective Permanent Mission.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Technical Requirements for arrangements of the workplace of the participants

• Windows Operating system is preferable. 
• Headset for high-quality audio and web camera. 
• Speed of good Internet connection