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ESARDA

Scope

Scope

ESARDA is an association of European organisations formed to advance and harmonise research and development in the area of safeguards. It also provides a forum for the exchange of information and ideas between nuclear facility operators, safeguards authorities and persons engaged in research and development. ESARDA was formed in 1969 with the purpose of  facilitating collaboration in R&D in the field of safeguards and in the application of such R&D to the safeguarding of source and special fissile materials. This co-operation is effected through co-ordination and harmonisation of the R&D work of the partners, by the exchange of information and assistance on a personnel and technical level, and by the joint execution of these programmes or parts thereof. The key element of ESARDA's activities is the frequent interaction between R&D personnel, plant operators and safeguards authorities. Ideally these interactions will reduce the burden of safeguards on the participants.

Purpose

The purpose of the ESARDA Agreement is:

  • To improve the quality, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of nuclear material safeguards, including nuclear material management and accountancy;
  • To seek the views of all those concerned in the application of safeguards so that problems preventing their effective, efficient and economic application may be identified and solved;
  • To facilitate collaboration on research and development in safeguards and related fields and its application;
  • To propose research and development programmes in the light of identified safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation topics which require investigation and to facilitate collaboration;
  • To take benefit and stimulate synergies with other verification regimes and technologies;
  • To increase the understanding of safeguards by improving communications with the public and other experts.

General Description of Activities

The activities of the Association are of two types: Internal and External.


Internal activities

Are those which are not open to the general public. They essentially include:

  • activities of the permanent technical and scientific Working Groups;
  • activities of the "ad-hoc" or temporary Working Groups and Committees;
  • activities of the management bodies;
  • Internal Meetings of the Association;
  • activities in bilateral collaboration with other Organisations.
External activities

Are those which are open to the general public. They include:

  • organisation of Symposia;
  • organisation of specialised meetings (Seminars, Workshops etc.);
  • publication of the ESARDA Bulletin;
  • web site at the Joint Research Centre.