Department of State Participation in the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group Annual Meeting in Bologna, Italy

The Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG) will kick off its annual plenary meeting on July 1, 2025, in Bologna, Italy. Nuclear forensics, the scientific analysis of nuclear materials, deters nuclear terrorism and ensures public safety by identifying the origin and history of nuclear materials.

For nearly 30 years, the ITWG has united nuclear forensics scientists, researchers, and law enforcement professionals from more than 60 countries to make the world safer through the advancement of nuclear forensics best practices. Since co-founding the ITWG in 1995, the United States has continuously co-chaired both the full working group and all five ITWG task groups. The Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation has played a key role, including by serving as ITWG co-chair from 2014 through 2024 and by helping to coordinate participation by the United States’ world-class nuclear forensics experts.

This year, more than 80 experts from 30 countries will participate, sharing best practices, discussing new developments, and enhancing international collaboration in nuclear forensics exercises and capability development. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration, the ITWG is co-chaired by representatives from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the European Commission’s Joint Research Center, reflecting a strong commitment to international nuclear forensics cooperation.