CTNW

Objectives:

The International Noble Gas Experiment Workshop (INGE 2027) aims to support the CTBTO verification regime by providing a forum for scientific and technical knowledge exchange on six main themes related to noble gas monitoring. The workshop's objectives are to strengthen scientific understanding, share operational experience, and identify priorities for the further development of noble gas technologies and methodologies supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) verification regime.

Topics of interest:

Calibration and Certification of Noble Gas Systems

Calibration approaches for next-generation (NG) IMS systems, including Xenon International, SAUNA III, SPALAX NG, MIKS and IMS laboratory systems.
Verification and validation of methods and data.
Review and update of certification requirements.
Discussion of current best practices versus formal certification standards.

Data Analysis Methods for Noble Gas Systems

Noble gas analysis methodologies, including uncertainty estimation and critical limits.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods for noble gas data analysis.
Expert Technical Analysis (ETA) methods for noble gas technology.

Network Analysis and Source Discrimination

Screening methods and approaches.
Use of source term data for event interpretation.
Noble gas event analysis, including the use of particulate information.
Sample association methodology.
Operations and network analysis from a regional perspective.
Advances in event localization methodology.

Next-Generation (NG) Systems

Overview of next-generation systems and operational experience.

Noble Gas Monitoring and On-Site Inspection (OSI)

Argon-37 systems and measurement techniques.
Experience with noble gas systems in On-Site Inspection (OSI) contexts.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and Laboratory Engagement

Strengthening laboratory involvement as active partners in IMS QA/QC programmes.
Lessons learned and best practices from laboratory-based intercomparisons.

Notes for submitters:

Abstracts may address an entire theme or a specific sub-topic within a theme.
Cross-cutting submissions addressing multiple themes are welcome.
Sessions are expected to conclude with a moderated discussion to synthesize submitted work and identify priorities for future roadmaps.

Further details:

Language:	English
Application Deadline:	22 Nov 2026 23:59 GMT
Funding Application Deadline:	22 Nov 2026 23:59 GMT
Abstract Submission Deadline:	22 Nov 2026 23:59 GMT

Participants Profile

The workshop is aimed at scientists, engineers and other professionals involved in noble gas monitoring related to the verification of the CTBT.

Please be informed that the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) solicits presentations and posters from participants on the topics of the workshop.

Application Procedures

Applicants are requested to register online at the Commission's CTNW platform: https://ctnw.ctbto.org.

Financial support may be available to a limited number of participants. Such assistance must be requested at the time of registration (by selecting the relevant box during online registration) and no later than Sunday, 22 November 2026.

Financial support will be considered only for those who have submitted an abstract that will be accepted. Participants are strongly encouraged to first seek travel and participation funding from non-CTBTO sources.

State Signatories wishing to nominate experts are requested to inform the Provisional Technical Secretariat (see Administrative Point of Contact) through their respective Permanent Mission by the deadline set for application.

Abstract Submission

Applicants are invited to submit an abstract relevant to the objectives of the workshop at https://ctnw.ctbto.org/ before the registration deadline. Applicants will be prompted to select whether they prefer an oral presentation or a poster.

Abstracts may address an entire theme or a specific sub-topic within a theme. Cross-cutting submissions addressing multiple themes are welcome. Sessions are expected to conclude with moderated discussions to synthesize submitted work and identify priorities for future roadmaps.

Financial Information

Applicable to PTS-funded participants only

In accordance with the Staff Regulations and Rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide the following:

A Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) sufficient to cover related expenses during the workshop programme will be paid to participants on the first day of the workshop.
The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue and forward flight tickets to participants for the most economic route.
Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their own tickets unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so and only if this proves to be the most cost-effective option for the PTS.
The PTS will book a hotel and cover the costs of accommodation.
Health insurance will be provided for the duration of the workshop.

Requirement: A valid scanned copy of the passport.

Other Pertinent Information

Presentations and Posters

PowerPoint presentations shall not exceed 20 minutes. Posters should be in either A0 or B1 portrait format.

Co-organizer

The workshop is co-organized with the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), Germany.

Visas

Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding consular office upon receipt of an acceptance Note Verbale from the Secretariat, in order to ensure timely processing.

Health and Accident Insurance

It is strongly recommended that prior to departure all participants should acquire health and accident insurance for the duration of the workshop.