Synergy with Science

Abstract

This chapter reviews the long-standing relationship between science and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and how this relationship has, on the one hand, helped develop individual sciences and, on the other hand, significantly improved the CTBT verification system and the ability of countries to verify compliance with the treaty. It also discusses how data produced by the International Monitoring System (IMS) can be used for other purposes, in particular, applications related to key global issues such as global warming and environmental protection. Such dual use provides additional benefits to states from their large investments in the IMS and strengthens relations between the Provisional Technical Secretariat/Technical Secretariat (PTS/TS) of the CTBT Organization (CTBTO) and the scientific community. This relationship is important to maintaining the PTS/TS as a viable entity, able to recruit competent staff. Cooperation with the scientific community is also essential to keeping the development of the techniques and procedures used at the PTS/TS in pace with scientific and technological developments, within the constraints set by the CTBT.