CBRNE Defense

Minimizing the impacts and effects of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events through detection, recognition, and technological initiatives.

Recent Inquiries

What subject matter experts are available to discuss post-incident procedures for a radiological event aboard a naval vessel?

What subject matter experts are available to discuss post-incident procedures for a radiological event aboard a naval vessel?

What information is available regarding cases of businesses that faced consequences due to a federal investigation into their chemical production?

What information is available regarding cases of businesses that faced consequences due to a federal investigation into their chemical production?

What is the history (or past cases) on the use of a radio-frequency activation system fitted with electric motors for movement to pilot an improvised explosive device?

What is the history (or past cases) on the use of a radio-frequency activation system fitted with electric motors for movement to pilot an improvised explosive device?

Articles

Samples from baggage, cargo, and packages are placed in front of the fentanyl vapor and particle detection tool for collection and detection. After they pass through the atmospheric flow tube, the scanner’s interactive interface then displays any detected chemicals, and shares this information with CBP agents in the field. Photo credit: PNNL.

S&T Is Developing New Fentanyl-Detection Technologies

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) works tirelessly every day to detect and confiscate drugs, weapons, and other illicit items that can put lives in danger. In fiscal year 2024 alone, CBP screened over 2.9…

THE CUT — Sandia Associate Labs Directors Jeff Heath, far left, and Steve Girrens, far right, along with technologist and engineers gather for the Light Initiated High Explosives ribbon-cutting on March 11. (Photo by Bret Latter)

Lights on at LIHE

In response to the nation’s evolving nuclear deterrence needs, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) upgraded and expanded the 60-year-old Light Initiated High Explosives (LIHE) facility. SNL and NNSA unveiled the improved facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony…

LOW-POWER DEVICES — Sandia microelectronics engineer Mieko Hirabayashi transfers microelectronic devices into storage containers. (Photo by Craig Fritz)

Designing Long-Duration Toxin Sensors

Imagine a smoke detector that instead of warning residents of smoke before a fire engulfs their home, is placed in mass-transit locations to alert travelers and first responders to hazardous chemicals in the air. Researchers…

Webinars

The Clear and Present Threat of Chem-Bio and Data and Cyberscientific and Technological Tools and Techniques

Given the current global shift toward symmetrical warfare, major powers – and non-state proxies – are developing radical leveling and emerging technology for use as “deterrence leveraging” in both non-kinetic and kinetic engagements. Although regnant…

Novel Nuclear Forensics for the 21st Century

This work will demonstrate how ubiquitous radiological characterization can take place throughout all nuclear facilities for all nuclear material (even those facilities the United States does not know exist). The presentation will detail how this…

Radiation Biodosimetry: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go

In the case of radiological/nuclear (R/N) mass casualty incidents, several thousands of humans may be exposed to ionizing radiation. Timely assessment of radiation dose is critical for making an appropriate “lifesaving” clinical decision for those…

Events

A U.S. Army reserve soldier participates in a CBRN exercise.

Joint Civil & DoD CBRN Symposium

The 13th Annual Joint Civil & U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Symposium will explore efforts and strategies to address and mitigate current and emerging CBRN threats and challenges. The…

Five servicemembers preparing an injured servicemember for transport in a helicopter in a military exercise.

Military Health System Conference

The Military Health System (MHS) Conference is a four-day annual conference sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. Conference attendees are comprised of government, military, and industry healthcare professionals….

Image of two aircraft, a submarine, and a ballistic missile, overlayed with a triangle labeled "Nuclear Triad"

The 17th Annual Nuclear Deterrence Summit

The Nuclear Deterrence Summit is an event that goes beyond bringing together leaders, experts, and industry executives in the field of nuclear deterrence. It is an opportunity for professionals in the nuclear deterrence and nonproliferation…