LOCATION
Vienna International Centre
Vienna, Austria

The workshop is planned to be held in a hybrid format. In-person participation is encouraged; however, virtual participation will be available. In case of unforeseen circumstances, the workshop can be transformed to full online format.

DATES
7-9 September 2026


LANGUAGE
The working language will be English.


OBJECTIVES
To support the CTBTO verification regime by creating a forum for scientific knowledge exchange on the main themes. 

AGENDA
Theme 1: Hydroacoustic monitoring networks in support of the CTBT International Monitoring System

• 1.1 The CTBTO Hydroacoustic Monitoring Network: Status, challenges, and needs
• 1.2 Engineering and technological advancements for hydroacoustic monitoring networks in marine environments
• 1.3 Station installation, maintenance, and major underwater repair strategies in challenging marine environments
• 1.4 Sustainability, reliability, and long-term performance of hydroacoustic monitoring networks
• 1.5 End-to-end calibration and quality assurance of hydroacoustic monitoring stations under field conditions
• 1.6 Protection, inspection, and fault detection strategies for subsea cables and sensors supporting hydroacoustic monitoring stations
• 1.7 Potential synergies with other subsea monitoring networks and civil and scientific applications

Theme 2: Emerging technologies and future concepts for next-generation hydroacoustic monitoring stations in support of the CTBT International Monitoring System

• 2.1 Station design concepts, structural and material innovations, and hydrophone technologies for next-generation hydroacoustic monitoring 
• 2.2 Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and fiber-optic technologies for hydroacoustic monitoring 
• 2.3 Smart subsea cable concepts and multi-functional sensing technologies 

Theme 3: Data analysis and signal processing methods for CTBT verification purposes and civil and scientific applications 

• 3.1 Identification of signal source-type (seismological-phase classification) 
• 3.2 Improved event-location algorithms 
• 3.3 Advanced signal processing methods for characterization of event properties (e.g. deduction of event depth from T-phase spectral contents) 

Theme 4: Modelling for long-range hydroacoustic signal propagation 

• 4.1 Three-dimensional acoustic propagation modelling. 
• 4.2 Crust-water coupling near coastal seismometers 

As always, CTBT-related contributions on additional relevant topics are also welcome. 

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

The workshop is aimed towards all scientists, engineers and other persons involved in hydroacoustics, ocean observatories, underwater acoustic system and sensor technologies, cabled and autonomous underwater systems and related fields. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Application
Deadline for Application: 3 April 2026
Applicants are requested to register online at the Commission’s CTNW platform: https://ctnw.ctbto.org 

Financial support may be available to a limited number of participants. Such assistance must be requested at the time of registration (by selecting the relevant box during online registration) and no later the indicated deadline for application. 

Financial support will be considered only for those who have submitted an abstract that will be accepted. Participants are strongly encouraged to first seek travel and participation funds from non-CTBTO sources. 

State Signatories wishing to nominate experts are requested to inform the Provisional Technical Secretariat (See Administrative Point of Contact) through their respective Permanent Mission by the deadline set for application. 

Abstract Submission
Applicants are invited to submit an abstract relevant to the objectives of the Workshop at https://ctnw.ctbto.org before the registration deadline. You will be prompted to select whether you prefer it to be a poster or an oral presentation. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Applicable to PTS-funded participants only 

In accordance with the Staff regulations and rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide the following: 

• A Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) that is sufficient to cover the related expenses during the workshop programme will be paid on the first day of the workshops to the participants; 
• The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue and forward the flight ticket to the participants for the most direct and economic route; 
• Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their own tickets unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so and only if this proves to be most cost efficient for the PTS; 
• The PTS will book a hotel and cover the costs for the accommodation; and 
• Health insurance will be provided that covers the duration of the workshop. 

Requirement: A valid scanned copy of passport. 
 

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Presentations 

PowerPoint presentations shall not exceed 20 minutes. Posters should be in either A0 or B1 portrait format. 

Visa 

Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding consular office upon receipt of an acceptance Note Verbale from the Secretariat, in order to ensure timely processing. 

Health/Accident Insurance 

It is strongly recommended that prior to departure all participants should acquire health and accident insurance for the duration of the workshop.