Radiation Detection 
for Nuclear Security 
Summer School

A ‘rad’ summer school like no other

June 16–27, 2025

The Radiation Detection for Nuclear Security Summer School at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) offers a unique hands-on experience that explores how radiation detectors are used in national security missions. The course provides an understanding of challenges in the field and exposes students to the technical foundations, analysis, and insights required to lead technology development and applications in nuclear security.

Radiation Detection Summer School at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

The two-week course on PNNL’s campus* in Richland, Washington, features seminars with top nuclear security experts, tours of operational facilities, and hands-on instruction with detection equipment and methods. Students are also invited to share a short presentation on their thesis research and/or a topic related to the summer course theme.

Enrollment is limited to approximately 16 students. There is no charge for the course; however, students are responsible for transportation to and from the class, meals, and lodging. Information on local airports, rental agencies, public transportation, and available lodging will be provided.

The summer school is funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development.

"Having done so much with the theory and simulation side of nuclear detection, it was amazing to see the practical applications." – Former student

Course Topics and Activities

Week 1 | Foundations

Lectures include:

  • Fundamentals of Radiation Detection
  • Gamma-ray Spectroscopy
  • Neutron Detection
  • Charged Particle Detection
  • Nuclear Fuel and Enrichment

Activities include:

  • Radiation Portal Monitor Measurements and Analysis
  • Ultra-low Background Detection
  • Portal Monitor Energy Windows

Week 2 | Applications

Lectures include:

  • Nuclear Safeguards
  • Arms Control and Treaty Verification
  • Interdiction and Emergency Response
  • Nuclear Forensics
  • Machine Learning Applications

Activities include:

  • Border Guard Training
  • Framatome Fuel Fabrication Facility Tour
  • Tour of Hanford B Reactor
  • Tour of Radiochemistry Laboratories
Students tour facilities during PNNL's Radiation Detection for Nuclear Security Summer School.
Students tour facilities during the two-week Radiation Detection for Nuclear Security Summer School on PNNL's campus in Richland, Washington. (Photo by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

Instructors

Key course leaders include Bob Runkle (PNNL), Mitch Woodring (PNNL), Ben McDonald (PNNL), and Professor James Baciak (University of Florida). Other PNNL subject matter experts help lead various tours, activities, and special lectures. The instructors have extensive research and instructional experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. External guest lecturers typically include leaders from federal government agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, National Nuclear Security Agency, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Eligibility

  • The targeted student population consists of those strongly considering future employment at national laboratories or at U.S. government agency in a national security position, which will likely require security clearance eligibility
  • Students should be security clearance eligible (e.g., U.S. citizens)
  • Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program in a field relevant to radiation detection, including nuclear engineering, nuclear physics, nuclear chemistry, or high-energy physics; Experienced upper-level undergraduates will also be considered

  • Priority will be given to students whose research is funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development and to those closest to graduating

Apply 

Application deadline is Feb. 27, 2025.

  • December 1, 2024 | Application submission opens
  • February 27, 2025 | Application submission closes
  • June 16-27, 2025 | Summer school in session

We intend to provide an in-person experience at our Richland, Washington, campus; however, this is subject to change.

  • A stipend of up to $1,200 is available to offset travel costs to Richland, Washington.
    Photo of students and teachers who participated in the 2023 Radiation Detection for Nuclear Security Summer School
    Participants of the 2023 Radiation Detection for Nuclear Security Summer School. (Photo by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

Contact

For more information, email us at radschool@pnnl.gov.

Research topics

National Security