International Scientific Studies Project and the

UNCLAS UNVIE VIENNA 000213 DEPT FOR ISN/MNA, VCI/NA, L/ACV, IO/T, T, S/T-T DOE FOR NN-40 JCS FOR J5/DDIN SECDEF FOR OSD/ISP, ATSH/NCB/NT, AND DTRA WHITE HOUSE FOR OSTP OVP FOR BLINKEN AND WOLFSTHAL SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC KTBT PARM ENRG SUBJECT: International Scientific Studies Project and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) ¶1. The heart of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is the International Monitoring System (IMS) to detect nuclear explosions, to be set up and run by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). The IMS from the very beginning was heavily dependent on scientific experts to set up, maintain, and continually improve the various technologies to be deployed in the system. Periodic attempts have been made to ensure that the IMS receives feedback from the broader scientific community. One current endeavor is the International Scientific Studies (ISS) project, under the leadership of Ola Dahlman of Sweden, one of the founding fathers of the Treaty. The assessments and activities of the ISS are conducted independently of the CTBTO by scientists and scientific institutions worldwide, with the CTBTO merely providing a coordinating and secretariat role. ¶2. The explicit long-term goal of the ISS is to develop a strategic partnership with the scientific community, to ensure that the CTBTO continues to benefit from cutting edge science and technology developments carried out at universities, research organizations and industries. A further goal is to assist the recruitment of staff members in the CTBTO with relevant scientific backgrounds. The short-term goal of the ISS is to evaluate the capability of the International Monitoring System, as well as the On-Site Inspection (OSI) regime. ¶3. The first major step in the evaluation process will be the "2009 International Science Studies Conference," which will take place June 10-12 in Vienna. The first day of the conference will address the capabilities of the verification regime, particularly the ability of the International Monitoring System to detect, locate, and characterize relevant events. The second day will focus in greater detail on each of the main technologies of the system, while the third day will address broader issues, such as global capacity building and potential civil and scientific applications. ¶4. Dahlman told the Ambassador that he expected the conference to produce different sorts of reports. In the first place, he envisaged releasing CDs containing the over 230 poster presentations currently planned for the conference. Dahlman also will oversee the publication of a 30-50 page conference paper in "popular science" style, designed to give the layman an understanding of the results of the conference. Finally, there will be comprehensive minutes of the conference, summarizing the proceedings in detail. Dahlman also expressed his satisfaction that a large number of US scientists were participating in the Conference, including USG employees in their personal capacities, from DOE, DTRA, and several DOE labs. Invitations have also been extended to Vienna Missions. The timing of the conference is intended to facilitate participation as well by capital-based representatives to the June 8-9 CTBTO Preparatory Commission meeting. Although we have no reports of congressional participants, Dahlman reported that invitations were circulated widely in Washington. SCHULTE