WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the University of Central Florida wrapped up an academic conference today, which focused on improving the United States' capabilities to detect and deter worldwide nuclear proliferation activities.
"NNSA is constantly seeking to improve our means to detect and monitor the location of nuclear weapons material around the world," said NNSA Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation William Tobey. "This conference was a great opportunity for some of the country's best and brightest researchers to share technologies and ideas to further this capability."
The University Information Technical Interchange conference brought together researchers from over 25 universities who work on detecting illicit foreign nuclear weapons programs. The conference allowed participants to exchange ideas on nuclear material detection and monitoring research, radiation detection devices, computer algorithm development and modeling for intelligent sensor systems, and approaches for remotely detecting nuclear proliferation.
NNSA's Office of Nonproliferation Research and Development produces cutting-edge technologies that combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the diversion of special nuclear material. NNSA provides other agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, with innovative systems and technologies to meet their nonproliferation and counter-terrorism responsibilities. This conference was an example of NNSA's collaborative efforts with academia on this mission.
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a separately organized agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad.
Media contact(s):
NNSA Public Affairs (202) 586-7371
