Addressing nuclear challenges, from radiation detection to power in space
Assistant Professor Jake Hecla is developing tools to cool space-based reactors, detect the presence of nuclear weapons, and better understand emerging nuclear technologies.
Understanding the world, from the Cold War to the age of AI
For 75 years, the Center for International Studies has brought together social scientists, engineers, and practitioners to understand global change, shape public debate, and address generational challenges.
3 Questions: Putting nuclear waste into perspective
Professor Haruko Wainwright believes the risks posed by radioactive wastes cannot be properly assessed without also considering the hazards of chemical wastes.
MIT researcher proposes a way to detect nuclear weapons in space
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty bans nuclear weapons in space, but there’s currently no way to verify that satellites aren’t carrying them.
Working to eliminate barriers to adopting nuclear energy
Nuclear waste continues to be a bottleneck in the widespread use of nuclear energy, so doctoral student Dauren Sarsenbayev is developing models to address the problem.
What should countries do with their nuclear waste?
A new study by MIT researchers analyzes different nuclear waste management strategies, with a focus on the radionuclide iodine-129.
Studying war in the new nuclear age
MIT political scientist Caitlin Talmadge scrutinizes military postures and international dynamics to understand the risks of escalation.
Model predicts long-term effects of nuclear waste on underground disposal systems
The simulations matched results from an underground lab experiment in Switzerland, suggesting modeling could be used to validate the safety of nuclear disposal sites.
Stopping the bomb
Political science PhD student Kunal Singh identifies a suite of strategies states use to prevent other nations from developing nuclear weapons.
Applying risk and reliability analysis across industries
After an illustrious career at Idaho National Laboratory spanning three decades, Curtis Smith is now sharing his expertise in risk analysis and management with future generations of engineers at MIT.
Aligning economic and regulatory frameworks for today’s nuclear reactor technology
Today’s regulations for nuclear reactors are unprepared for how the field is evolving. PhD student Liam Hines wants to ensure that policy keeps up with the technology.
Enabled by a significant gift, MIT’s Security Studies Program launches the Center for Nuclear Security Policy
With $45 million in support from the Stanton Foundation, the program will expand its longstanding leadership in a critical area of global security.
The rules of the game
Rising superpowers like China are “cautious opportunists” in global institutions, and the U.S. should avoid overreaction, PhD student Raymond Wang argues.
Modeling the threat of nuclear war
As part of his MIT doctoral studies in nuclear science and engineering, Eli Sanchez investigated whether hypersonic missiles threaten global security.
A new way to detect radiation involving cheap ceramics
Work by MIT engineers could lead to plethora of new applications, including better detectors for nuclear materials at ports.