Progress and Plans for the IAEA Department of Safeguards Research and Development Programme

The IAEA Department of Safeguards utilizes a Biennial Research and Development (R&D) Programme to assist it achieve its near-term challenges and improve the practice of implementing its verification activities in a manner which is relevant, credible, efficient, and encourages innovation and excellence. The Programme aims to improve and sustain the practice and methods utilized in the Department of Safeguards. This application based programme builds upon the basic scientific information and discoveries made available to the Department from its Member States. In response to external developments, input from Member States and all its stakeholders, the Department of Safeguards has drafted its R&D Programme for the biennial period 2008–2009 to refine its strategic focus areas and better situate those opportunities in the context of the Department’s total work portfolio. Consistent with its original intent, the Programme, prepared in a working document, will be used by the Department to solicit input and the transfer of technology, funds and expertise that are provided through Member State Support programmes (MSSPs). This paper will provide an overview of the recent progress and plans developed that comprise the Biennial R&D Programme. Additionally, a discussion will be provided to explain the new methodology to facilitate long-term strategic planning to ensure the Department’s programme and R&D activities are able to anticipate and address the verification challenges developing as a result of evolving new safeguards challenges.