What We Do

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

A group of AWE scientists from our Forensic Seismology group played a vital role in helping international efforts to bring about a ban on live nuclear weapon testing.

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treat (CTBT) was agreed in 1996, and demands a monitoring system so sensitive that it can detect underground explosions of one kiloton – a minute displacement of just one millionth of a millimetre.

AWE’s specialist team assists with and monitors the CTBT, continuously conducting seismic research to detect illicit nuclear tests and helping to verify the reduction and elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide.

Our Challenges

AWE’s prime task is to support the Trident system in service. Following the UK’s agreement to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, all of our work must be carried out without actual nuclear testing. This is a task that poses enormous scientific and technical challenges.

To meet these challenges, we are investing in our science and technology facilities, as well as addressing legacy issues, and continuing to recruit those with the key skills and intellectual base for safeguarding our future capability.