European Project with Arktis Radiation Detectors Kicks Off

A European project to demonstrate and test a new tool for the detection of dangerous nuclear materials was launched in January 2012. The 'Modular Detection System for Special Nuclear Material (MODES_SNM)' project is funded by the European Commission within the scope of its 'FP7 Security' theme.

The MODES_SNM consortium officially took up work in January 2012. Its kickoff meeting was hosted by the University of Padova, the program's coordinator. The consortium's goal is to use a novel technology to design and demonstrate a prototype mobile detection system for radioactive and nuclear material. The consortium consists of two SMEs, four universities, a national nuclear research centre and end users in the form of a customs agency. A list of consortium members is given below. The project is foreseen to be completed in 30 months, within a budget of EUR 3.2 million, including public and private sector contributions.

MODES_SNM consortium members include Arktis Radiation Detectors Ltd and ETH Zurich. Arktis will provide the detection technology.