This study is the result of a project run by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2002 to investigate the issues surrounding the preservation and transfer to future generations of information important to the safety of radioactive waste disposal facilities. The study highlights the critical role played by contextual information and suggests means by which it may be better utilized.  The principal authors, Gavan McCarthy and Ian Upshall, brought substantive experience from both the archival profession and the radioactive waste industry so it was deemed appropriate that the work be also published by the International Council on Archives (ICA). This study is the result of a project run by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2002 to investigate the issues surrounding the preservation and transfer to future generations of information important to the safety of radioactive waste disposal facilities. The study highlights the critical role played by contextual information and suggests means by which it may be better utilized.  The principal authors, Gavan McCarthy and Ian Upshall, brought substantive experience from both the archival profession and the radioactive waste industry so it was deemed appropriate that the work be also published by the International Council on Archives (ICA).