Development and application of nuclear forensic analytical capabilities at the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology.

This paper summarizes recent nuclear forensics research conducted at the Laboratory of Nuclear Analytical Techniques, Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (INCT), Poland. The institute participates in international nuclear forensics initiatives and exercises and contributes to the development of analytical methodologies for the characterization of nuclear and radioactive materials. The presented work includes studies performed within the framework of the International Technical Working Group (ITWG) Collaborative Materials Exercises, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Coordinated Research Projects, and independent experimental investigations. Analytical approaches applied in the studies include gamma-ray spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and liquid scintillation counting (LSC). These techniques were used for radiological characterization, determination of elemental and isotopic composition of uranium-bearing materials, and identification of forensic signatures. The results demonstrate the analytical capabilities of INCT in nuclear forensics investigations and highlight the role of international collaboration in strengthening national nuclear security and forensics preparedness.