LOCATION
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

DATES
8-12 June 2026
 

LANGUAGE
The working language will be French
 

OBJECTIVES

• To provide a comprehensive understanding of the roles of National Data Centres within the verification regime.
• To focus on establishing and enhancing the capabilities of National Data Centres.
• To equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for accessing and utilizing International Monitoring System (IMS) data and International Data Centre (IDC) products.
• To offer practical experience and training in analyzing IMS data, ensuring participants are proficient in handling SHI data.
• To explore and promote the use of IMS data and IDC products for civil and scientific applications. This includes discussions on how data from the CTBT verification system can be used for environmental monitoring, disaster prevention/recovery, and academic research.
• To harmonize the approaches of States' Signatories in Africa to participate in and benefit from the CTBT verification system.

AGENDA

Online format (2 weeks prior to the training)

• National Data Centres:
  - Roles, Function and Responsibilities
   
• Access to IMS Data and IDC Products:
  - Familiarization with the Linux Desktop environment and command line for data analysis.
  - Detailed familiarization with IDC Products, both standard and non-standard.
  - Methods for accessing data and products, including requests, subscriptions, and using the Secure Web Portal.
   
• Linux and Database Management:
  - Comprehensive Linux tutorials covering navigation, file management, and command line utilities.
  - Introduction to PostgreSQL database, focusing on SQL tutorials, database access, and table structures.
   
• Monitoring Techniques:
  - Sessions on seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasound monitoring.
   
• NDC-in-a-Box Installation and Configuration:
  - Detailed guidance on installing and configuring NDC-in-a-Box using various methods.
  - Introduction to Geotool-QT.

In-person training 08-12 June 2026

• Practical Hands-on Analysis:
  - Practical tutorials on using Geotool for data analysis.
  - Theory and practical exercises on regional events analysis.
  - Step-by-step guidance on associating phases and locating events.
   
• Civil and scientific applications
   

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

• African French speaking NDC technical staff and analysts, authorized users (Principal or Regular);
• Experts from States planning to establish a NDC;
• Experience in waveform data analysis and/or similar experience related to nuclear test ban verification;
• Seismologists with an advanced degree who operate or have access to regional and local seismic network data and the means of processing that data to provide accurate phase pick information;
• Basic knowledge of the Linux operating system and SQL is desirable.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applicants are requested to use the registration form and submit it by 20 March 2026. 

• Applications will be reviewed and applicants notified subsequently. However, pending the official nomination, participants may email the registration form upon its approval by a director of the institution to allow the PTS to make timely travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Applications for this training should be submitted through established official channels (their Permanent Missions to the CTBTO or their Ministries of Foreign Affairs). 

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

• A round-trip ticket to Abidjan on 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 in advance, and only if this proves to be the most cost-effective option for the PTS;
• The PTS will book a hotel and cover the costs for the accommodation. Training participants will receive the relevant portion of the Daily Subsistence Allowance (per-diem) via bank transfer upon arrival to the first day of the training course; and
• Health and accident insurance will be provided for the duration of the training, including travel days.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Visas
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, as soon as possible, at the corresponding Embassy upon receipt of an Acceptance Note Verbale from the PTS, in order to ensure timely processing.