Analytical Techniques: Development of new methods and capabilities to support nuclear forensics analysis, both in the laboratory and in-field, including new and novel techniques, sampling and sample preparation, and use of AI/ML to improve data and uncertainty analysis.
Radio- and Stable-isotope Chemistry: Identification, separations and analysis of both radio- and stable-isotopes for nuclear forensics, including age dating, isotopic fingerprinting, and process history determination.
Materials and Processing: Study of process-structure-property relationships to support process history determination and signature development, including chemical impurities and speciation, morphology and microstructure, material ageing effects, and use of AI/ML techniques to enhance data/image interpretation.
Modelling and Simulation: Use of computational modelling methods to support nuclear forensics, including spent fuel/reactor modelling, enrichment modelling, material ageing effects and material property prediction of new fuel cycle materials.
Environmental Science: Application of geology, mineralogy and geochemistry techniques to nuclear forensics, including use and interpretation of forensic seismology and infrasound.
Sensor and Detection Technologies: Application of detection systems to support nuclear forensics, including in-situ detection and location, stand-off in-field analysis and characterisation, and data analysis techniques to support detection and identification.
Nuclear Forensics Exercises and Case Studies: Supporting training and capability development, including nuclear forensic libraries and databases, the interface between conventional and technical nuclear forensics, assessment methodologies/decision science, and interaction with law enforcement.