CO-ORGANIZER:  Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BFS), Germany


LOCATION
Freiburg, Germany


DATES
8-12 March 2027


LANGUAGE
The working language will be English.


OBJECTIVES
The objective of the workshop is to support the CTBTO verification regime by creating a forum for scientific knowledge exchange on six main themes.

AGENDA/TOPICS (TENTATIVE)

Theme 1: Calibration and Certification of Noble Gas Systems
1.1 Calibration approaches for next-generation (NG) IMS systems (Xenon International, SAUNA III, SPALAX NG, MIKS and IMS lab systems)
1.2 Verification & Validation of methods and data
1.3 Review and update of certification requirements
1.4 Discussion on current best practice vs. formal certification standards

Theme 2: Data Analysis Methods for Noble Gas Systems
2.1 Noble Gas analysis methodology including uncertainty estimation and critical limits
2.2 Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods for noble gas data analysis
2.3 Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) methods for noble gas technology

Theme 3: Network Analysis and Source Discrimination
3.1 Screening methods and approaches
3.2 Use of source term data for event interpretation
3.3 Noble gas event analysis including the use of particulate information
3.4 Sample association methodology
3.5 Operations and network analysis from a regional perspective
3.6 Advances in event localization methodology

Theme 4: Next-Generation (NG) Systems
4.1 Overview of NG systems and operational experience

Theme 5: Noble Gas monitoring and OSI
5.1 Argon-37 systems and measurement techniques
5.2 Experience with noble gas systems in On-Site Inspection (OSI) contexts

Theme 6: QA/QC and Laboratory Engagement
6.1 Strengthening laboratory involvement as active partners in IMS QA/QC programs
6.2 Lessons learned and best practices from lab-based intercomparisons

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
The workshop is aimed towards all scientists, engineers and other persons involved in noble gas monitoring related to the verification of the CTBT.  Please be informed that the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) solicits presentations and posters from participants on the topics of the Workshop.

APPLICATION & ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Application
Deadline for Application: 22 November 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. Requests for such assistance must be submitted at the time of registration (by selecting the relevant box on the online registration form) and no later than 22 November 2026. Financial support will be considered only for participants whose abstracts have been accepted. Participants are strongly encouraged to first seek travel and funding from non-CTBTO sources.

State Signatories wishing to nominate experts are requested to inform the Provisional Technical Secretariat (see 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. Applicants will be prompted to select whether they prefer a poster or an oral presentation. 

Note for Submitters

• Abstracts may address a full theme or a specific sub-topic within it.
• Cross-cutting submissions (e.g., an abstract that spans both “Data Analysis Methods” and “Network Analysis and Source Discrimination”) are welcome.
• Presentations:  PowerPoint presentations shall not exceed 20 minutes. Posters should be in either A0 or B1 portrait format.

As in past INGE workshops, sessions are expected to conclude with a moderated discussion period to synthesize submitted work and identify roadmap priorities.

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 program 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 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

Visas
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding Embassy/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.