This ATG will be held online via the WebEx platform. 

DATE & TIME
14-15 October 2026 | 14:00-17:00 (CET)
 

LANGUAGE
The working language will be English
 

OBJECTIVES
In coordination with the software modernization under the IDC SHI Reengineering project, the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) has established series of Alpha Tester Group (ATG) to enhance the engagement of the NDC community towards the project. It allows low-barrier access for State Signatories and NDCs to the current state of the modernized components of the system.

The role of the ATG participants is to validate the results of the system and provide feedback on the system design and usability.

The objectives of the Kick-off Meeting prior to the testing session are to:

• present the scope of the testing session,
• provide the status of development,
• guide the testers on the discovery of the newly developed features,
• enable ATG members to run testing scripts and adapt them to different test cases.

The ATG 2026 will focus on the evaluation of the latest version of the Interactive Analysis Interface (IAN) and new event location algorithm LocOO3D.


AGENDA
There will be one testing session in 2026 where the ATG Members will be requested to:

• participate in the two days kick-off meeting,
• perform the evaluation of the system. ATG members will be provided with a test instance of the system accessible over the internet for a duration of one month,
• provide feedback on problems encountered and opportunities for future developments,
• liaise with other technical users in their NDC and represent their opinions on the ATG.

The kick-off meeting sessions will be recorded. Should participants be unable to attend due to time zone constraints recordings will be made available. 

A detailed agenda for the kick-off meeting will be provided in due time.

PARTICIPANTS' PROFILE
NDCs involved in Alpha Testing activities are expected to make time available for the ATG Members to perform the related activities. It is estimated that each ATG member will need to devote between 3 and 5 days to ATG activities in 2026. 

NDC technical staff/authorized users (preferably Principal User or Regular User):

• experienced in waveform processing and knowledgeable about the current IDC SHI processing,
• experienced in waveform technology and/or similarly experienced in nuclear test ban verification technologies,
• experienced in software programming or scripting, ideally using Python (Linux background and some experience working with APIs are desirable).
   

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applicants are requested to register online at the Commission’s CTNW platform: https://ctnw.ctbto.org by the 27 September 2026.  

No registration fee will be charged. 

States Signatories wishing to nominate participants are requested to inform the Provisional Technical Secretariat (see Point of Contact) through their respective Permanent Mission by the deadline set for application.


TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR  PARTICIPANT WORKPLACE

• Windows Operating system is preferable.
• Audio & Video: High-fidelity headset and HD web camera.

Connectivity: High-speed, stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps recommended).