Careers and people

Abstract

Nuclear scientists needed The US is heading for a serious shortage of nuclear forensics experts, according to a new report by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Nuclear forensics involves using sophisticated technology to analyse the nature, use and origin of nuclear materials, and is key to monitoring the illicit trade in and use of nuclear weapons. Currently there are fewer than 50 nuclear forensic scientists working in the US's network of national laboratories – not enough, the report claims, to deal with an emergency – and half of them are expected to retire within the next 15 years. As university programmes in radiochemistry and related subjects have been dwindling, there are not nearly enough young scientists to replenish the expertise pool. The report calls for a new programme to develop nuclear forensic scientists that would involve funding research at universities, launching graduate scholarships and fellowships, as well as setting up internships for young scientists at the labs where this work is carried out. Stimulating industrial support of faculty positions is also deemed important. Indeed, at least three or four new postdocs need to be hired into nuclear forensics every year for the next 10 years, the report says. It also recognizes that more research is needed to develop new lab and field equipment, and to create better numerical-simulation techniques.