One way we ensure our work is based on the best science is by working with leading scientists and experts from universities, in the industry or as part of international research groups. A particular aspect of this work is peer review, where we request independent external experts to review our work.
Geoscientific Review Group
The Geoscientific Review Group is composed of five internationally recognized specialists from Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Australia. The review group reviews and analyzes the approaches, methods, data, and criteria used to conduct the geoscientific assessments.
Site Selection Review Group
The Site Selection Review Group is comprised of two internationally respected members from varied professional backgrounds. The group provides independent advice and guidance on the NWMO’s final stocktaking approach, methods and criteria as we prepare for site selection in 2024. The purpose of this group is to ensure the decision-making process is reasonable, comprehensive, credible, and rigorous.
Collectively, these review group members have knowledge and experience in nuclear waste related siting processes and international best practice, as well as experience in the application of Indigenous knowledge to national infrastructure projects and partnerships.
The members of the Site Selection Review Group include:
• Tom Isaacs, Chair of the Site Selection Review Group, Lead Advisor on the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, Senior Advisor to Nuclear Threat Initiatives
• Claes Thegerström, former President Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management
Each of the members is independent from the NWMO, the site selection process, and the municipal and Indigenous communities involved in the site selection process.
Scientific Journal Reviews
The NWMO regularly undergoes independent peer reviews when publishing technical research results in scientific journals and at conferences. On specific topics, we seek out peer reviews or request state-of-science reviews be prepared by leading experts.