Webinar for Expert Meetings on Special Studies (SPS) and Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) 
-    with Waveform Methods 
-    with RadioNuclide (RN) and Atmospheric Transport Modelling (ATM) Methods 

DATE
20 October 2026

MODALITY
This webinar will be held via the WebEx Platform

LANGUAGE
The working language of this webinar is English

OBJECTIVES

Staying Up to Date on ETA and SPS Procedures and Developments

The Treaty Protocol specifies that the IDC is required to react to requests from State Signatories for so-called Requested Services. In the usual series of technical meetings, we are interested in defining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the specific requests of a Special Analysis, which can have two distinct services called Special Studies and Expert Technical Analysis, and in gathering the methods used in these services.

Special Studies (SPS) provide in-depth, technical reviews of data coming from the CTBT’s International Monitoring System (IMS) to improve the estimated values for the standard parameters, resulting in an Updated Radionuclide Report (URR) or an Updated Event Bulletin (UEB).

The purpose of the Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) of IMS data and other relevant data provided by the requesting State Signatory is to assist the State Signatory concerned in identifying the source of specific events. The output of an ETA is the State Requested Methods Report (SRMR).

Join us for an informative webinar where you will be updated on the latest status of procedures for Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) and Special Studies (SPS), as well as the ongoing work to gather the methods and software at the IDC to be used in such Special Analysis.

Attend this webinar to:

• Stay informed about the latest procedures and requirements for ETA and Special Studies;
• Understand the current state of developments and their impact;
• Engage with our experts and ask questions in a live Q&A session
• Get involved in shaping the content for the next live workshop.

The next in-person Expert Meetings on Special Studies and ETA for Waveform Methods, and for RN and ATM Methods, will be held again concurrently in October 2027. 
 

AGENDA

• Overview of the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) documents for ETA and Special Studies
• Update on recent changes and developments affecting ETA and Special Studies applications 
• Introduction to gathering methods for Special Analysis
• Preparations for the 2027 in-person meeting
• Methods to be used as part of SPS and ETA
• Q&A session with our experts
   

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Experts from NDCs and research establishments involved in testing, applying, and developing waveform, radionuclide, or ATM methods that may be suitable for inclusion into the IDC automatic processing pipelines or may be applicable to Special Studies and Expert Technical Analysis.
 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Deadline for application: 30 September 2026

Participants are invited to register online at the Commission’s CTNW platform https://ctnw.ctbto.org  by the registration deadline of 30 September 2026. 

States Signatories wishing to nominate experts to participate are requested to inform the Provisional Technical Secretariat (See Point of Contact) through their respective Permanent Mission.

No registration fee will be charged.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Windows Operating system is preferable.
• Headset for high-quality audio and web camera.
• Speed of good Internet connection