International Safeguards at Los Alamos

2016 marks the 50th year since the first international safeguards program in the U.S. was established at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Since that time, Los Alamos has provided end-to-end support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to meet its evolving safeguards needs. This support involves development of safeguards technology and approaches, training inspectors, supporting international engagements, and serving as an integral part of the IAEA’s Network of Analytical Laboratories. In addition, LANL staff are encouraged to take leaves of absence for temporary assignments with the IAEA. With respect to safeguards technology, LANL pioneered a wide range of IAEA measurement tools in use today and scientists and engineers at LANL continue to innovate with new safeguards technology development. IAEA training is a core element of our support for international safeguards, with an emphasis on nondestructive assay that is part of every IAEA inspector’s training. LANL is also active in human capital development and student programs in support of Next Generation Safeguards Initiative and plays a key role in bilateral safeguards engagements.