The Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the Regional Network for Education and Training in Nuclear Technology “STAR-NET” signed the Practical arrangement to advance their cooperation in in the areas of education, capacity-building, outreach and training in nuclear technology and disarmament on June 16, 2021, in Vienna, Austria. The meeting was held in a hybrid format – virtual and in-person.

“STAR-NET is a diverse regional network that puts together the know-how and works to broaden the scope of knowledge and interaction to bring together nuclear science and technology. This Practical Arrangement is a sustainable foundation for future cooperation between STAR-NET and the CTBTO. I am committed to fully supporting this partnership,” Lassina Zerbo, CTBTO Executive Secretary, said during the signing ceremony.

Mikhail Strikhanov, Rector of National Research Nuclear University MEPhI and STAR-NET President, acknowledged the continuing support of CTBTO staff to the STAR-NET initiatives through the introduction of the CTBTO activities and facilities made available to students and teachers during STAR-NET’s student visits organized in recent years. “During these visits future nuclear specialists got information on the International Monitoring System and the technologies used for verification to make sure that no nuclear explosion goes undetected,” he said. “We consider it as the important element of general culture of future nuclear engineers and we would be pleased to extend our cooperation in the coming years.”

Under the new agreement, parties pledged to collaborate on a variety of topics. These include collaboration and reciprocal invitations to educational initiatives and training, exchanges of best practices and lessons learnt; providing educational opportunities to STAR-NET member universities, whose students join the CTBTO Youth Group and provision of assistance in the organization of scientific visits.

During in-person session Andrei Kosilov, STAR-NET Managing Director, proposed to develop a roadmap for the implementation of the signed agreement and to form a working group to coordinate joint activities. The signing ceremony was attended by a number of CTBTO and STAR-NET representees and facilitated by Maria Chepurina, CTBTO External Relations Officer.

Parties expressed confidence that the joint activities will contribute to the successful implementation of the verification regime preventing the world from a nuclear disaster. These activities will provide opportunity to bring more young talented professionals into the subject area and promote the verification principles among the young generation.