The first Workshop on ‘Nuclear Proficiency Testing’ (PT) focused on the new topic appeared at the junction of the nuclear basic research, metrology, quality control in applications, and the new ‘Science of Analytical Performance’ (SAP), namely: ‘how to get/prove the most accurate and precise scientific/technical results in the current practice. Any analytical laboratory should fulfill this goal in order to assure the public credibility of its results, either it is part of the scientific research institute, or a laboratory dedicated to the routine control of the environment, industry, health /medicine, radioprotection, or dosimetry, as the quality of the analytical results and of the services that will be further used depend critically on the accuracy and validity of measurements (EN ISO/IEC Standard 17025: 2005). ‘Proficiency Testing’ plays a central role in this process as the best tool to prove and certify the Laboratory’s Performance & Competence; it belongs to SAP, which, in our case, should be called SNAP (Science of the Nuclear Analytical Performance), as it concerns performance in applications of the nuclear analytical techniques. The ‘PT Workshop-2007’ created the opportunity to learn the criteria / tools used for interpreting the experimental results and evaluating performance, ‘how to fit’ the laboratory’s performance with the rigor of international ‘Proficiency Testing’ evaluation, to understand the basic aspects of methods validation and traceability of the nuclear physical quantities to SI, use of the reference materials and of the statistic criteria for the fitness-for-purpose objectives, advantages of the ILC /PT exercises, and how to get the ‘Excellence’; so, it was primarily a ‘school’ , but not only, because the meeting was also a framework for participants to present their latest results and developments. The unique feature of the ‘PT Workshop-2007’ was the participation –for the first time in a scientific meeting of experts intimately involved in the development of International and National Standards and the organization of international Inter-Laboratory Comparison (ILC) and Proficiency Testing (PT) exercises, of experts involved in radionuclide metrology, who generally establish the norms and requirements for the accuracy of measurements and analytical methods, and experts and specialists involved in nuclear application, as ‘lectors’. Their presence and lessons assured the highest level of knowledge for a successful ‘school’ in the field of Nuclear Proficiency Testing, and the discussions they created were very fruitful, to the benefit of all the participants.

The IAEA supports its Member States to increase the utilization of their research reactors. Small and medium sized reactors are mostly used for neutron activation analysis (NAA). Although the markets for NAA laboratories have been identified, demonstration of valid analytical results and organizational quality of the work process are preconditions for expanding the stakeholder community, particularly in commercial routine application of this powerful technique. The IAEA has implemented a new mechanism for supporting NAA laboratories in demonstrating their analytical performance by participation in proficiency testing schemes by interlaboratory comparison. This activity makes possible the identification of deviations and non-conformities, their causes and the process to implement effective approaches to eliminate them. Over 30 laboratories participated between 2010 and 2015 in consecutive proficiency tests organized by the IAEA in conjunction with the Wageningen Evaluating Programmes for Analytical Laboratories (WEPAL) to assess their analytical performances. This publication reports the findings and includes lessons learned of this activity. An attached CD-ROM contains many individual participating laboratory papers sharing their individual results and experience gained through this participation.

Reliable and metrologically comparable results of quantitative analytical methods are essential to assure that decisions taken on their basis have meaning and context. Problems with combining measurement results, calculating their uncertainties and establishing metrological traceability can prove complicated and ambiguous for measurement scientists. Combining and Reporting Analytical Results discusses in detail the problems faced by scientists, and presents a variety of approaches across biological, chemical and environmental sciences to resolving these types of issues. Topics include: validated methods of analysis; application of internal quality control procedures; participation in proficiency testing schemes; metrological traceability of measurement results and associated uncertainties, as well as some quality system issues and formal accreditation. Written by leading experts, and with worked examples and illustrations throughout, this invaluable reference source is ideal for analysts from various scientific fields.

Over the past decade significant progress has been achieved in the development of waste characterization and control procedures and equipment as a direct response to ever-increasing requirements for quality and reliability of information on waste characteristics. Failure in control procedures at any step can have important, adverse consequences and may result in producing waste packages which are not compliant with the waste acceptance criteria for disposal, thereby adversely impacting the repository. The information and guidance included in this publication corresponds to recent achievements and reflects the optimum approaches, thereby reducing the potential for error and enhancing the quality of the end product. -- Publisher's description.

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists is the premier public resource on scientific and technological developments that impact global security. Founded by Manhattan Project Scientists, the Bulletin's iconic "Doomsday Clock" stimulates solutions for a safer world.

This Safety Guide provides recommendations and guidance on fulfilling the requirements of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3 for ensuring radiation protection and safety of radiation sources in medical uses of ionizing radiation with regard to patients, workers, carers and comforters, volunteers in biomedical research, and the public. It covers radiological procedures in diagnostic radiology (including dentistry), image guided interventional procedures, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy. Recommendations and guidance are provided on applying a systematic approach to ensure that there is a balance between being able to utilize the benefits from medical uses of ionizing radiation and minimizing the risk of radiation effects to people.

"Scientific studies of art and archaeology are a necessary complement to cultural heritage conservation, preservation and investigation. Nuclear techniques, such as neutron activation analysis, X ray fluorescence analysis and ion beam analysis, have a potential for non-destructive and reliable investigation of precious artefacts and materials, such as ceramics, stone, metal, and pigments from paintings. Such information can be helpful in repair of damaged objects, in identification of fraudulent artefacts and in the appropriate categorization of historic artefacts."--P. [4] of cover.