In the late 1960s the Australian Government, concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts caused by the French atmospheric nuclear weapons tests being conducted in the South Pacific region, began preparing a legal challenge against France which was subsequently considered by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Advice and data provided by DST (then the Defence Standards Laboratories) on the radioactive fallout from atmospheric nuclear tests formed an important part of the scientific brief used by the Australian legal team. Thus commenced the scientific support provided by DST scientists to Australia’s various disarmament and arms control activities, covering nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and also certain conventional weapons.

This presentation by Dr Bob Mathews will highlight some of the contributions made by DST scientists in supporting the efforts of the Australian Government in the negotiation and effective implementation of disarmament and arms control agreements over the last 50 years.

Afternoon tea will be served in the breakout area after the lecture.