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