28th November – 2nd December, 2011, Nottingham, UK

The course agenda is available here. 42kb PDF

Online course registration is available here.

This novel five-day course is presented by the ITC in collaboration with BGS and is a component of the IAEA Network programme for 2011. The course is designed for geological repository project managers and scientists, implementing and regulatory agencies, geoscience, environmental and engineering companies involved with the repository safety assessment and construction of underground disposal facilities. The scientific and engineering community generally agree that the technology exists to site, design, operate and close facilities for the disposal of radioactive wastes, and to evaluate the risks associated with these activities such that safety can be demonstrated to all stakeholders with confidence. One area where more can be done to enhance this confidence is in the use of data from natural systems to provide examples from repository relevant conditions (e.g. deep underground) over repository relevant timescales (i.e. thousands to millions of years).

The course will examine the key issues that need to be considered when planning, developing and implementing a natural analogue programme to support a geological repository Safety Case. Through the examination of case studies and by taking a hands-on approach through the use of Argumentation Network software, the participants will be guided through the steps required to build their own programmes.

The 5-day programme for 2011 consists of:

• Introductory lectures presenting, in a clear manner, how a Safety Case for a repository programme should be constructed, by looking at all aspects of developing a safety case and will include the views of the implementer and regulator alike. Within the statutory framework that regulates the nuclear industry, there is an over-riding requirement to demonstrate through an adequate and appropriate safety case that all risks and hazards associated with a geological repository are understood, effectively managed and controlled. This first day introduces the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively judge and influence the adequacy of licensees’ repository safety cases.
• The course will then look at chosen aspects of the use of analogues and looks at both natural and archaeological (sometimes called anthropological) examples. Discussions will focus on the fundamentals of using information from nature’s laboratories in support of the Safety Case, with examples on near- and far-field processes, integration with laboratory and underground rock laboratory data and overviews of some of the major national analogue studies of the last two decades.
• As an example of how natural and archaeological analogues can be used to enhance confidence in the Safety Case, one module will focus on the rather complex features associated with cementitious-based repositories. The open discussion will utilise Argumentation Network software in a structured brainstorming session to explore precisely how the complex processes involved can best be addressed using natural analogues.
• Another key process to be addressed will be the use of natural safety indicators in a Safety Case and explore methods to present relative dose and risk in a Safety Case in ways which can be better understood by a wide range of stakeholders and not just safety assessment modellers.
• A one-day field trip will look at two sites which have been used to both develop Safety Cases and in stakeholder engagement several countries internationally (e.g. UK, Switzerland, Japan etc). The first is Inchtuthil, site of the most northerly Legionnaires’ Fortress in the Roman Empire where Roman soldiers buried 2 million nails as they abandoned the site to the local Pict tribesmen. These nails were finally excavated almost 2 millenia later, most still in remarkably good condition. The second site is Loch Lomond, a freshwater lake whose pre- and post-glacial evolution will be examined to provide information on the long-term retardation of radionuclides in the geosphere. Unusually, information from both sites have been used to provide quantative input to safety assessment calculations and, in parallel, have been used to explain complicated technical points to lay audiences.
• The final part of the workshop involves the participants in a hands-on exercise to design a Safety Case incorporating alternative safety indicators for their national programme. International experts will be available to guide the participants past some of the major pitfalls in this task and each group will finally present their work to their peers.
• A pre-workshop introduction to geological disposal will be provided by a new IAEA e-learning module. Participants will be expected to go through the module and their degree of understanding will be assessed by questions placed at strategic parts of the module. Their answers will be available to the course organisors to assess if the participants have attained the required level of understanding before starting the course.

The full course agenda is available here. 42kb PDF

The previous ITC NA course was attended by participants from a wide range of stakeholders in sectors such as national/provincial level decision-making authorities, implementing and regulating organisations, research organisations and universities and it is hoped that such an eclectic mix will be attained again.

Course Location

The course will take place at British Geological Survey headquarter in Keyworth, Nottingham; www.bgs.ac.uk/contacts/sites/keyworth/kwhome.html.

Keyworth is located about 6 miles (10 km) southeast of the centre of Nottingham. The village sits on a small, broad hilltop about 200 feet above sea level which is set in the wider undulating boulder clay that characterises the area south of Nottingham. Hotel accommodation will be near the centre of Nottingham. Easy access is available both, from Nottingham Airport and Nottingham Train Station or by car.

The William Smith Building (WSB) is the newest addition to the British Geological Survey (BGS) headquarters in Nottingham. At 3000m², the WSB is the largest wooden-framed open-plan office building in the UK.

Other activities

Nottingham has much to offer the visitor, where the past and present harmonise offering something for everyone. From castles, caves or ghost tours, museums, to superb restaurants and beautiful bars. Nottingham is known as the home of Robin Hood or the oldest pub in Britain, dating back to 1189 with parts of the foundations back to 1070 (see www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/ for details

Course Fee

The course fees directly cover tuition, course notes, room and equipment hire, transport to the UEF and other materials. The accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and morning and afternoon refreshments for five days (arriving Sunday, 27th November, departing Friday, 2nd December after the course), plus a course dinner, welcome reception and travel to the field trip sites are charged separately (see below). Accommodation at the course hotel on the night of 2nd December can be arranged at additional cost.

CHF5250 for ITC members. This total is split between

• Accommodation, food, course refreshments, field trip etc – CHF1100
• ITC course fee – CHF4150

CHF6000 for non-members. This total is split between

• Accommodation, food, course refreshments, field trip etc – CHF1100
• ITC course fee – CHF4900

Final deadline for registration is 15th October, 2011. The course fee is due within four weeks of your registration and registration is not guaranteed until we have received the course fee. If you have to withdraw from the course after paying your fee, it will be refunded in full up to 1st October, 2011. After this date, it is not refundable.

Application form

You can register on-line using the registration form. The number of places is limited, so we would advise you to register early. Online course registration is available here.

Insurance

Please note that participants on this course, or their employing organisations, are responsible for their own personal insurance.

Course Organisers

The course is organised by the ITC-School in collaboration with, and supported by the British geological Survey and the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) within its Network on Training and Demonstration of Waste Disposal Technologies in Underground Research Facilities (http://www-tc.iaea.org/tcweb/default.asp).

Teaching

The course will be held in an informal, workshop atmosphere and participants will be encouraged to interact and question at all times. Each course topic will be taught by highly qualified and internationally recognised specialists from around the world. They will provide the most up to date and comprehensive information and discussions. Course materials will be provided for each topic. Modules will generally be taught throughout the day, with an extended lunch break. In addition, the course tutors will be present at dinner and afterwards in the hotel for free discussion and information exchange. The course language is English and course materials are printed in English.

Learning outcome – is this course for you ?

Your learning outcome should be statements of what you would expect to know, understand and/or be able to demonstrate at completion of a period of learning. So what will this course do for you? You should expect to:
• have a strong grasp of the basic concepts of developing the Safety Case for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste
• understand the importance of natural analogue and natural safety indicators to the Safety Case development
• be aware of some of the different natural system datasets available to support the Safety Case
• have demystified the process of Safety Case development have an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the use of natural analogue and natural safety indicators
• a much better understanding of the concerns of a wide range of stakeholders and not just the views of industry insiders. With your new understanding of the basic concepts of radioactive waste disposal Safety Case and natural analogues, you should also be better equipped to enter into dialogue with a wider range of stakeholders – not just those in the waste industry
• most importantly, you will be in possession of a rare asset for you and your employer: an excellent overview of how the different disciplines need to be integrated to deliver a successful Safety Case. Waste disposal is full of specialists and the benefits of having a unique overview should never be underestimated

As such, the course is ideal for those involved in any component of a national radioactive waste programme and who have a desire to learn about the wider aspects of working in radioactive waste disposal. While some background in radioactive waste is useful, the modules have been so designed as to ensure that any participant who currently only has limited grasp of waste disposal will profit from this course. As such, interested people who are new to waste disposal should not be put off from attending. If you are unsure if this course is for you, please feel free to contact the ITC Director of Courses, Wolfgang Kickmaier ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or the Edinburgh course director, Russell Alexander ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), for an informal chat.

To help you to get the most out of this course, we would like you to produce a short pre-course assignment. But don’t worry, we are not asking you for much effort, just a little thought in advance of attending the course which will focus your thinking and give us an insight into your requirements. And don’t worry if you cannot express yourself fluently, this is not a test, rather it is simply intended to help us get to know you a bit in advance. In return, you will be given the course tutors’ CVs when you start the course.

The Course Assignment can be found at the bottom of the application form and should be returned by 15th October, 2011. On-line course registration: www.itc-school.org.

Participants from IAEA Technical Co-operation Project

The IAEA has finalised arrangements for the INT 9.173 Technical Co-operation Project "Training in Radioactive Waste Disposal Technologies in Underground Research Facilities", of which this course is a part. A draft prospectus will be circulated by the IAEA to target countries in the scheme which explains the application procedure and the support arrangements. Participants from the countries within the IAEA training scheme (Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, the Peoples Republic of China, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Indonesia, Jordan, Lithuania, Kazakstan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Republic of South Africa, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam) should contact responsible officers at the Agency.

IAEA Support

Under the auspices of the IAEA, nationally developed Underground Research Facilities (URFs) and associated laboratories are being offered for use by other nations. The URFs and laboratories form a “Network of Centres of Excellence” for training in and development of waste disposal technologies. If your organisation is from a participating country in the IAEA training network scheme you may be able to request financial support from the IAEA for courses run as part of the Network scheme.

Geological Society of London

The ITC is directly associated with the CPD training scheme of the Geological Society of London (GSL – see http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/gsl/op/www%3C/page1.html) and periodically runs courses which have been endorsed by the GSL. These enable Fellows of the GSL to earn credits towards their CPD and offer them a 10% discount on the normal registration fee. This course is currently under consideration by the GSL and the results will be posted soon.

And finally….

Course Assignment – please email to Christine Wiestner ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) by 15th October, 2011 with ‘The role of natural analogues in the development of a safety case 2011`in the subject line.

• why have you chosen this course?
• what are your learning objectives for the course?
• what other objectives do you have for the course?
• tell us a little (a couple of sentences) about your educational and professional background
• tell us a little about your current job – and about any relevant projects you are currently working on or have recently completed. How do these relate to the fundamental aspects of geological waste disposal?
• if not covered in the previous question, what is your previous experience in the field of waste disposal?
• is there any specific area of the geological disposal of radioactive waste where you expect to increase your knowledge by the end of the course?

- pick at least one topic bearing in mind that this should be your ‘guiding theme’ during the course
- how is this topic relevant to your disposal system?
- what is already known about the topic?
- what more do you need to know on the topic?

As an outcome of the course, we expect you to prepare a short note (a couple of paragraphs will be sufficient) on how you are going address your topic using the additional knowledge gained during the course – this will help both you and us assess if we have addressed your training requirements appropriately.