1. Canadian Perspectives on Nuclear Forensics Radiation Protection Bureau
Sonia Johnson
Radiation Protection Bureau
Health Canada
February 8, 2010

2. Outline Overview of Canadian Departments involved in NF
Overview of Funding Body for NF projects
Past projects in NF
Current projects in NF
Future plans/outlook
Depending on Bliss’ presentation, may delete this slide

3. Canadian Departments involved in NF
There is no one Canadian Federal Department with a mandate for Nuclear Forensics research or analysis
A number of federal scientists have participated in externally- funded projects in Nuclear Forensics:
Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
Health Canada (HC)
Royal Military College (RMC)
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Universities
Depending on Bliss’ presentation, may delete this slide

4. Centre for Security Science (CSS)
CSS is one of nine centres of Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)
One of CSS's programs is the CBRNE Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI)
Established in 2002 to strengthen Canada's prevention, preparedness and response to CBRNE terrorist attack through science and technology
Mention the new type of measurement to be performed on U in air filters

5. Radiological/Nuclear Cluster Explosives Cluster Forensics Cluster
6 CRTI Clusters
Chemistry Cluster
Biology Cluster
Radiological/Nuclear Cluster
Lead: Dr. Cornett, Director of Radiation Protection Bureau
Explosives Cluster
Forensics Cluster
Lead: Denis Nelson, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Psychosocial Cluster

6. Past Projects in NF 1) International Technical Working Group – 2004
9 Canadian labs/organizations participated in the analysis of HEU
Canadian results were good; first involvement in such an exercise
Participate annually at ITWG meetings (C.Larsson from DRDC)

7. Past Projects in NF 2) Development and Delivery of Training Exercises
Partners: CNSC, DRDC, RCMP
Targeted to forensic investigators responsible for the collection of Nuclear Forensics evidence
Combination of classroom-based and practical exercises
Included procedures for packaging and transport of RN materials to the labs.

8. Current NF Projects/Initiatives
Radiochronometer Reference Materials
Canadian Partners: HC, RMC, NRC, ULaval, RCMP
US Partners: NBL, ANL, FBI
Development of Co/Ni radiochronometer and a Sr/Zr radiochronometer

9. Current NF Projects/Initiatives
ITWG (International Technical Working Group)
Analysis of HEU pellets
Samples expected to be received in February/March 2010
Analysis to be done by RMC, HC and DRDC

10. Current NF Projects/Initiatives
Reference Material Development
Lead by US NIST
First inter-agencyworkshop held in August 2009 (HC and DRDC attendance)
Purpose: to identify the requirement for new certified reference materials for:
Nuclear safeguards
Forensics
Consequence Management
Next meeting: February 2010

11. Direct Alpha Analysis of Forensic Samples
Partners: HC, STUK, AWE
Development of sampling techniques and software to deconvolute bad alpha spectra

12. Current NF Projects/Initiatives
RCMP involvement with FBI and scientists in the US in the Scientific Working Group CBRN
Work on documents and procedures that can be adopted by laboratories and meet the needs of the courts
May develop a Canadian equivalent of the SWGCBRN; first planning meeting to be held in March 2010.

13. Future Plans for NF in Canada
Continue to apply for external funding (CRTI) for new and innovative R&D projects in NF
Seek out international collaborations for partnering on key areas related to NF
Project proposals need to meet the listed priorities for the CRTI call