Landau Network - Centro Volta

Biosecurity, Biosafety, Human Capital and the Seventh Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

2011-12-28T16:28:44.6678334+01:00

IWG – LNCV Biosecurity Workshop and Round Table

Biosecurity, Biosafety, Human Capital and the Seventh Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

18-19 November, 2011

Palace Hotel

Como, Italy

Organized by

International Working Group (IWG)

Landau Network-Centro Volta (LNCV)
Como, Italy

With the support of

CRDF Global

International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC)

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), UK

The Workshop, organized by the International Working Group (IWG) and Landau Network-Centro Volta (LNCV) of Como, Italy with the support of CRDF Global, the International Science and Technology Centre and the Department of Energy and Climate Change of the UK, was organized in Como (Italy), in the premises of the Palace Hotel, on 18 and 19 November, 2011.

The 2011 Workshop aimed to wrapping up and updating on key topics related to biosecurity, biosafety and dual use issues, with special regard to the human dimension of these issues, with a particular attention to the perspectives of the major international agreement regarding the prevention of biological weapons, the Biological Weapons Convention that would go into its Seventh Review Conference just weeks after the workshop.

Topics included education & awareness raising, engagement of and outreach to the scientific (academic and professional) communities, S&T review; but also on over viewing the 2^nd ISP and the perspectives for the near future. The event hence also provided a useful occasion of informal meeting among biosecurity experts, as well as scientists, just before the BTWC Review Conference.

Definitive Agenda - IWG-LNCV Biosecurity Workshop.pdf (302,61 KB)

Definitive List of Participants_ IWG-LNCV Biosecurity Workshop.pdf (240,49 KB)

LNCV_BioConf_2011_Clean.pdf (822,25 KB)

The Global Partneship Process and the International Working Group. Engagement and Cooperation with the Scientific Community for Global Security

2011-12-28T16:19:22.988+01:00

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G8GP – IWG Conference

The Global Partnership Process and the International Working Group. Engagement and Cooperation with the Scientific Community for Global Security

November 16-17, 2011

Palace Hotel,

Como, Italy

Organized by

International Working Group (IWG)
Landau Network Centro Volta (LNCV), Como, Italy

With the support of

CRDF Global

International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC)

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), UK

PRELIMINARY REMARKS

This event was held under the auspices of the International Working Group (IWG) on 16th and 17th November 2011to enable the Global Partnership (GP) community to further discuss issues related to the future direction of the GP, particularly in relation to scientist engagement. The conference organised by the International Working Group – Landau Network Centro Volta (IWG-LNCV), was structured around a series of formal presentations and associated discussions, together with breakout group debates focused around a small number of key questions designed to assist workshop participants in reaching a consensus on practical next steps.

KEY THEMES AND OUTCOMES

The conference discussions focused on how the GP community could work more closely with the scientific community to enhance the effectiveness of future initiatives on scientist engagement - collaboration. A key theme throughout was the emphasis on practical measures that could be implemented now that the GP was moving away from addressing Cold War challenges in Former Soviet Union countries, to ones that were global in character, often knowledge based and therefore intangible to measure and address with conventional instruments, and involve a range of new stakeholders and technologies. It was also recognised that science itself was changing, and while overwhelmingly beneficial, these changes required increased dialogue with scientists themselves to help shape future policy and find practical and workable solutions to address valid security concerns which do not stifle scientific endeavour. It was recognised that the growth in interest in biotechnology and the nuclear renaissance would lead to a significant increase in the number of scientists and engineers with CBRN expertise and the associated access to CBRN material. It was therefore essential that appropriate education, training and professional development formed a fundamental part of future engagement activities with the scientific community. It was recognised that no one organisation could address the potential problem of misuse of CBRN expertise and material and the international community needed to find ways of working more effectively to do this – using a range of instruments to do so. A key factor was the importance of effective communication and outreach – both for ensuring all interested parties were aware of the totality of the work underway in different programmes, and for ensuring lessons learnt were widely promoted to enhance, and reinforce best practice. Raising awareness of the considerable portfolio of work underway and planned on collaboration with scientists to promote professional responsibility was seen as a key task for the GP for the next few years, so all could benefit from a lessons learnt approach.

Both the main conference discussions and the debates stimulated by the breakout group discussions, emphasised that the GP had a key role for coordinating and facilitating future initiatives on engagement with the scientific community. There was a strong consensus that the GP given its political clout could become an effective hub to coordinate engagement activities, especially in facilitating new partner states to join and influencing new actors to contribute to the debate such as the national science academies, relevant non government associations and industry bodies, such as the World Nuclear Association. Many also saw the GP framework also providing an important platform for international bodies such as the IAEA, WHO, OPCW, BTWC to provide guidance on CBRN priorities and initiatives being taken forward by the GP community. The US announced at the workshop that they would be involving international organisations and a range of non-government organisations in a number of the GP discussions under their presidency of the G8 during 2012.

The strong involvement of the scientific community at the Como event highlighted the value of approaching a number of CBRN security concerns from a different perspective. An example of this was the fact that for many countries their priorities were not necessarily security focused, but on issues such as public health or on a secure and safe energy supply, which were more of direct concern to their populations than security. Addressing such priorities through disease prevention initiatives which also embraced laboratory best practice with respect to safety and security, and assistance in establishing best practice with respect to nuclear regulations, education etc, were seen as more likely to be successful and importantly, sustainable in the long term.

The challenges of constructing effective metrics for scientist engagement initiatives was discussed throughout the sessions of the workshop. Most felt that engagement, outreach, educational and professional development initiatives require different approaches to previous GP programmes focused, as they were, on constructing sizeable facilities for securing or destroying CBRN materials, or provision of equipment for physical protection projects. A good deal of future GP work would be focused on “intangibles”. It was recognised that under this new paradigm, not everything needed to be measured and metrics need to be proportional to the size and type of projects implemented. In many cases a “narrative based assessment” may suffice or evidence that states had shown a commitment and evidence of implementing international codes of conduct and UN conventions, etc. It was also made clear in the discussions that transparency in approach was also likely to be evidence of a commitment to address the issues, combined with a willingness to promote activities effectively.

The conference had the opportunity to discuss the use of the “Centres of Excellence concept” for enhancing coordination of best practice and strengthening networks within countries and regions. While most of these were at the early stage of implementation, it was recognised they could have an effective role in bringing scientists and policy makers together to help prioritise needs and options for project delivery, once established clear coordination mechanisms. The discussions also emphasised the value of “champions” in countries to drive implementation and sustainable development. A consistent theme was also the importance of working through existing channels and build wherever possible on the considerable resources already allocated to threat reduction work. Examples presented at the conference were the significant resources allocated by the IAEA on nuclear security education, and now being rolled out through the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) and on the outreach programs on CWs via the work of the OPCW.

The value of the IWG as a neutral forum for discussion and debate was strongly endorsed by many at the conference especially the opportunities it presented to help shape future coordination and collaborative activities. The participants pointed out that this IWG conference, likely to all the other IWG meetings, provided a forum for the agenda of the 2012 GP to be presented, and thus identified at an early stage the opportunities for future collaboration on a range of CBRN priority activities.

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Agenda_G8GP-IWG Engagement 2011.pdf (326,02 KB)

Definitive List of Participants_G8GP-IWG Engagement 20111.pdf (237,81 KB)

G8GP-IWG Conference Report.pdf (279,78 KB)

G8GP-IWG Brainstorming Summary Report.pdf (365,96 KB)

Promoting Nuclear Safety Culture in the Arab Countries

2011-12-28T16:10:21.425+01:00

Promoting Nuclear Safety Culture in the Arab Countries

13-14 June 2011

Hotel Crown Plaza, Beirut, Lebanon

Organized by

Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC)-National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Beirut, Lebanon

In cooperation with

League of Arab States (LAS), Cairo, Egypt,

International Working Group-Landau Network Centro Volta (IWG-LNCV), Como, Italy

and with the support of

European Commission – EuropeAid Development

and Co-operation Directorate General (DG DevCo),

US Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF),

Nuclear Security Science and Policy Institute (NSSPI)

Beirut_2011Agenda_June 14def.pdf (263,78 KB)

List of Participants June 13-14_FINAL.pdf (264,18 KB)

Chairmen conclusions_Beirut workshop June 2011.pdf (7,14 KB)

Global Networking to Promote Biosecurity and Limit Dual Use Risks. The Science-Ethics-Law-Security Nexus

2011-11-23T17:23:51.635+01:00

IWG – LNCV Biosecurity Workshop and Round Table

Global Networking to Promote Biosecurity and Limit Dual Use Risks

The Science-Ethics-Law-Security Nexus

12-13 November 2010

Grand Hotel di Como

Como, Italy

Organized by the

International Working Group

Landau Network-Centro Volta
Como, Italy

With the support of

US Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF)

International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC)

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), UK

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE)

Under the patronage of

National Research Council (CNR), Italy

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Agenda Bio 2010 Final.pdf (423,04 KB)

Participants List Bio Final.pdf (385,85 KB)

Securing Dual Use Expertise: Developing Sustainable Global Engagement and Outreach Programmes

2011-11-23T17:18:20.445+01:00

Workshop and Roundtable

Securing Dual Use Expertise: Developing Sustainable Global Engagement and Outreach Programmes

15-16 November, 2010

Grand Hotel di Como

Como, Italy

Organized by

International Working Group - Landau Network Centro Volta (IWG – LNCV), Como, Italy

In collaboration with

G8GP Working Group, Canada Global Partnership, Ottawa, Canada

With the support of

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, Canada
Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), Washington DC, US

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), London, UK

International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC), Moscow, Russia

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rome, Italy

Abstract

This IWG Workshop is meant to analyze and propose new mechanisms to deal with dual use expertise proliferation through a series of means running from proactive engagement, win-win partnerships, Centers of Excellence dealing with the CBRN Risk mitigation, and to propose some agreed consensus on the new challenges facing the Global Partnership since its inception by the Canadian G8 Summit at Kananaskis in 2002. With “dual use expertise” it is here meant technologies and knowledge that could have both benign and malign usage, specifically in the form of CBRN areas. The main aim of this event is to produce final versions of deliverable research papers like the IWG Package mentioned in Session II, a set of recommendations for governmental officials, and not least to strengthen the Canadian Global Partnership spin-off towards a GP 2.0 in the aftermath of 2012.

Definitive Agenda_G8GP-IWG Engagement 2011.pdf (360 KB)

Definitive List of Participants_G8GP-IWG Engagement 2011.pdf (272,03 KB)

Analysis of risks related to the misuse of Natural Radioactive Materials for terrorist attacks, European project HOME/2009/ISEC/AG/130

2011-11-04T17:08:59.609+01:00

Analysis of risks related to the misuse of Natural Radioactive Materials for terrorist attacks

HOME/2009/ISEC/AG/130

the project has been realized with financial support from the Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme of the European Union

European Commission - Directorate-General Home Affairs

The Landau Network Centro Volta, together with its partner U-Series srl, implemented the project during July 2010 - July 2011.

The project analyses the possible misuse of NORMs (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) for malicious intent. There are different perspectives and consequent gaps that regulate NORMs in the EURATOM Directive n° 96/29 (national transport in EU MS based on effective dose) and in the IAEA Safety standard TS-R-1 (international transport based on radioactivity concentration). Currently, in some countries, there are no legal limitations regarding the radioactivity concentration in NORMs, but there are some limits on dose values. Moreover, regarding the radioactivity concentration and the total amount of radioactivity, the several thousands of industrial sectors involved in production as waste/management/disposal of these materials are not constrained by any form of accountancy and recording.

So, the main purpose of this project is to raise European and, possibly, International concerns and debate regarding NORMs, with the aim of moving towards a voluntary regime of regulation. There is the need therefore to identify and monitor the industrial processes involving NORMs, starting from the industrial activities listed in Directive 96/29, not only for radioprotection purposes, but also for security reasons. The risks connected to these industrial activities are amplified since there are no specific controls and surveillance procedures given, so these activities are considered like other industrial conglomeration producing wastes.

The possible use of NORMs for a terrorist attack could become a possibility: these latent radioactive resources could be used to produce dirty bombs. These kind of attacks can have a different effect compared to a nuclear one, but the radiological sources for the manufacturing of Radiological Dispersion Devices (RDDs) are far more easily available than nuclear material.

Finally the project wants to underline an aspect usually not taken into consideration: the human dimension of radiological proliferation and expertise. Specific objectives, actions and achievements can be read in the document attached.

HOME project summary_final.pdf (19,43 KB)

Landau Network-Cariplo Foundation 2010/2011 fellowships: WINNERS

2011-04-20T11:53:12.307+02:00

The Landau Network - Centro Volta (LNCV) is glad to announce the results of the selection for the Cariplo Foundation Fellowships 2010-2011. In attachment you can find the list of candidates selected.

The starting date of the fellowship period of minimum two months shall be set in agreement with the hosting Institutions starting from May 9, 2011. The fellowship period must be concluded within December 15, 2011.

Winners Landau-Cariplo fellowships_Russian Federation.pdf (71,65 KB)

winners Landau-Cariplo fellowships_European countries.pdf (40,33 KB)

NEW Call - 20 Cariplo Fellowships for the academic year 2010/2011

2011-02-14T16:42:08.547+01:00

The Landau Network-Centro Volta (LNCV) with the contribution of the Cariplo Foundation is glad to invite applications for 20 Fellowships to be awarded during the Academic Year 2010/2011. To apply, please follow the instructions as in the call below.

Call Cariplo 2010-2011_DEF.pdf (10,54 KB)

Strenghtening Nuclear Security, Safety and Safeguards Culture: Infrastructure Development and Capacity Building in the Arab Countries

2010-07-05T17:09:00.161+02:00

Workshop and Round Table

Strenghtening Nuclear Security, Safety and Safeguards Culture: Infrastructure Development and Capacity Building in the Arab Countries

April 25th-26th, 2010

League of Arab States (LAS), Cairo, Egypt

Organized by

League of Arab States (LAS), Cairo, Egypt

In cooperation with

International Working Group-Landau Network Centro Volta (IWG-LNCV), Como, Italy

Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA), Tunis, Tunisia

Preamble

The goal of this event is to promote initiatives aimed at enhancing existing networks/centers, securing the human and technical resources necessary for creating and sustaining a responsible nuclear energy infrastructure, and adapting international concepts for a nuclear safety and security culture in the Arab countries.

In order to address future nuclear energy expansion in the Arab states, the promotion of best practice, professional responsibility and expertise and international standards in educational programs is needed.

Furthermore, the enhancement of existing or emerging nuclear networks for civilian purposes would be the concrete answer to the new holistic approach to non-proliferation as well as the practical way to provide an effective “twinning” of the AAEA infrastructures with peer centers in countries that have a civilian nuclear capacity.

This Workshop and Round Table will explore the national/multilateral/international initiatives that best serve the needs of the LAS countries.

A simultaneous translation Arab/English will be provided.

Agenda Final (2).pdf (199,76 KB)>

Participants' List Final (2).pdf (183,15 KB)

Enhancing Responsibilities from the States towards the Nuclear Non Proliferation Traety

2010-07-05T16:59:50.828+02:00

Round Table

Enhancing Responsibilities from the States Towards the

Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty

April 14th 2010

Italian Embassy

3000 Whitehaven Street ,

N.W. Washington , DC
US

Organized by

Landau Network – Centro Volta (LNCV), Como, Italy

Italian Embassy, Washington , DC , US

in collaboration with

The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies ( SAIS ),

Washington DC, US

and with the support of

Unit of Policy Planning (UAP) of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The scope of this Round Table (RT) is to have a serious debate among experts and senior public figures involved in non proliferation work as part of the preparation for the next NPT RevCon. The purpose of the debate would be to identify different points of view on the key disagreements that are likely to surface during the RevCon between and among the P-5 and the NNWS. In particular the key questions that the debate would address are the following:

1.      What is the correct understanding of rights and responsibilities pertaining to NWS and NNWS under the NPT?

2.      What have NWS and NNWS done so far to meet these responsibilities, however conceived?

3.      Are the action undertaken by both categories of States thus far adequate to their obligations?

4.      What other action ought to be pursued by each category of signatories to realize these obligations?

5.      What other measures or initiatives will be required by both sides to strengthen the NPT regime over time?

The moderated debate would address these issues in an oral form with back-and-forth among the participants.

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Agenda%20Washington%20FINAL%2013-4-19-04-09.pdf (187,53 KB)

Participants%27%20List%20Washington%20FINALbis19-04-09.pdf (184,29 KB)