Conference maps spread of nuclear weapons technology

"The Bomb" -- who's got it, and more importantly, how can you tell? That will be the focus of the first Nuclear Nonproliferation Verification Institute, to be held Dec. 5 through 9 at the University.

The conference will provide participants with detailed information about how countries pursue nuclear weapons and the strategies the international community employs to stop their spread. In addition, the program will address in detail many of the techniques and measures that are currently used or under development to verify nuclear nonproliferation agreements.

Speakers will include current and former government officials, policy analysts and Khidhir Hamza, former head of weaponization for Iraq's nuclear weapons program who is currently a senior fellow with the Institute for Science and International Security.

Though there is a registration fee of $850 and the conference is limited to the first 50 registrants, there may be some opportunity for U.Va. faculty or graduate students to attend some events free; call Houston Wood at 924-6297. For additional information, visit www.isis-online.org or e-mail koneill@isis-online.org.