Abstract
Ongoing research and development efforts enable future capabilities to better counter threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. Cooperative research with global partners improves international collaboration to detect and characterize weapons of mass destruction, and enhances a host nations sustainment of scientific programs. Recent topics that are relevant to the CTBTO identify science focus areas to address challenges of an on-site inspection. Recent topics have included research for a number of basic science areas. For example radiation sensitive materials that change their optical properties and novel sensing materials used as indicators of container or seal integrity between inspections will be explored. These novel sensing materials can help provide unique assurance against tampering to assist verification. In addition integration of multiple sensor technologies and techniques using advanced mathematical methods to improve seismic location algorithms and modeling of explosions. More general topics that are planned for the future and that are relevant to the International Monitoring System and International Data Center include: alternative remote sensing materials and methods; new methods and modeling for radiochemical analysis, sample collection, concentration and selectivity; and novel long-range methods for example environmental changes.