AWE plays a crucial role in the national security of the UK.
Our National Nuclear Security programme utilises AWE’s expertise to provide a number of important capabilities to the Government.
In support of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and UK Government National Emergency Response Arrangements, we provide advice and support to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and various other government departments, working to ensure non-proliferation and responding to emergency situations.
Our expert team provides vital technical guidance to check global compliance with the CTBT. This is achieved through our forensic seismology and radionuclide competencies, working with the international community to monitor earth movements around the world to detect underground nuclear tests. In fact, our radionuclide laboratory recently became only the fifth in the world to become certified by the CTBT organisation in Vienna to contribute to its monitoring system.
We also provide assistance to intelligence agencies to identify any possible nuclear threat worldwide, and liaise with government departments to advise on possible verification regimes for any future multilateral nuclear arms control treaty.
In addition, AWE provides a 24/7 emergency response capability to deal with any kind of nuclear accident or incident. The team is also available to respond to any nuclear material discovered by HM Revenue & Customs or the police.
All of this highly important work must be done without prejudicing national security, while ensuring that no information is made available that could lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
AWE’s National Nuclear Security capability offers a stimulating and challenging environment for self-motivated scientists and engineers, who wish to make a real difference to the safety and security of the UK.