Events Calendar

Presenter: Jordi Vives i Batlle (SCK CEN)

Abstract:

We present a new methodology for the impact assessment of radionuclides and chemical contaminants in non-human biota. The core of the approach is a population model combining the action of pollutants with ecological factors for a given species. The impact of mixed stressors is predicted in terms of mortality, morbidity, and reproduction ability of the population, based on the analysis of damages to fecundity and self-repairing ability. This model is designed with regulatory application in mind, to evaluate the robustness of the benchmarks used in wildlife radiological assessment for “mixed stressor” situations. This is a concern for both regulators and the industry, particularly in NORM sites. The presentation will introduce the model design, an example of application, the model uncertainties and its intended application to sites containing NORM contamination.

Expert lectures from specialists in Epidemiology, Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Pathology, in Radiation Research from Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, ISGlobal and RADONORM centers. Faculty-led mentorship sessions at the end of each day. Hands-on activities to apply knowledge gained and participation in the Molecular Tumor Board at Hospital Clínic, analyzing real-life cases.

Registration deadline: 27^th January 2025

Presenter: Vladimir Spielmann

Abstract:

Background: Increased brain tumour incidence in children may reflect improved diagnostic methods and clinical practice, but remain unexplained. Studies correlating radon exposure and incidence are inconclusive. However, although estimated doses are low, a relationship between radon and brain tumours may exist.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between dose and the incidence of primary brain tumour, appropriate dose coefficients are needed.

Methods/Results: The potential exposure period from age 0 till 20 y was divided into small intervals and new dose coefficients for chronic intake of radon gas and progeny by children for each interval were calculated considering changes in the anatomical and physiological parameters. The breathing rate was dynamically changed according to the age. Different equilibrium factors were assumed to cover different exposure scenarios.

Conclusion: New dose coefficients allow more precisely determination of the dose to children who have been chronically exposed over period of time with any start and end point of exposure.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a prominent topic in both daily life and scientific research. Keeping up with advancements in this rapidly evolving field is essential for scientists at all career stages. This course offers participants the technical knowledge and critical awareness needed to explore AI’s potential while addressing its challenges. Scientists from all disciplines within the radiation protection community – including social scientists and those without prior programming experience – are encouraged to join and benefit from AI in their daily work.

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand key AI concepts and their applications in scientific research,
• Be able to apply AI tools for data processing and visualization,
• Build networks with peers and experts, strengthening the future European research community in radiation protection related to radon and NORM.

Registration deadline: 15th January 2025

The meeting will bring together members of the European Commission, international organisations and European Platforms and Partnerships, among others. The main achievements of RadoNorm will be showcased, their implementation in society highlighted and discussions facilitated on the way forward, addressing open questions stemming from the project.

The main goal of this training course is to maintain and develop competences in the field of radiation protection related to NORM. During the training course the complete set of concepts, terms and activities that make up a scientific domain covering all NORM aspects (NORM body of knowledge) is consequently developed. The lectures given and active participation in exercises let trainees gather systematically all information about NORM (including radon), starting with general aspects and coherent definitions applicable, the methodology of NORM involving exposure situations identification, related hazard characterisation, details concerning monitoring methods planning and execution as well as appropriate measurement results interpretation. Recent outcomes of RadoNorm project on NORM and radon exposure situations inventory, characterisation, monitoring principles, management strategies developed and existing/possible mitigation options are introduced into the training course programme. Finally, trainees will acquire knowledge enabling consciously, effectively, and efficiently assess NORM hazard, manage situations when such hazard occurs, as well as develop of sustainable treatment of NORM residues/waste.

Registration deadline: 14^th February 2025

The main goal of this training course is to maintain and develop competences in the field of radiation protection related to NORM. During the training course the complete set of concepts, terms and activities that make up a scientific domain covering all NORM aspects (NORM body of knowledge) is consequently developed. The lectures given and active participation in exercises let trainees gather systematically all information about NORM

(including radon), starting with general aspects and coherent definitions applicable, the methodology of NORM involving exposure situations identification, related hazard characterisation, details concerning monitoring methods planning and execution as well as appropriate measurement results interpretation. Recent outcomes of RadoNorm project on NORM and radon exposure situations inventory, characterisation, monitoring principles, management strategies developed and existing/possible mitigation options are introduced into the training course programme. Finally, trainees will acquire knowledge enabling consciously, effectively, and efficiently assess NORM hazard, manage situations when such hazard occurs, as well as develop of sustainable treatment of NORM residues/waste.

Registration deadline: 14 February 2025.

Course flyer and programme can be found on: https://www.radonorm.eu/calls/call-for-courses/

Course website: https://szkolenia.gig.eu/radonorm2025-2/

The main goal of this training course is to maintain and develop competences in the field of radiation protection related to NORM. During the training course the complete set of concepts, terms and activities that make up a scientific domain covering all NORM aspects (NORM body of knowledge) is consequently developed. The lectures given and active participation in exercises let trainees gather systematically all information about NORM (including radon), starting with general aspects and coherent definitions applicable, the methodology of NORM involving exposure situations identification, related hazard characterisation, details concerning monitoring methods planning and execution as well as appropriate measurement results interpretation. Recent outcomes of RadoNorm project on NORM and radon exposure situations inventory, characterisation, monitoring principles, management strategies developed and existing/possible mitigation options are introduced into the training course programme. Finally, trainees will acquire knowledge enabling consciously, effectively, and efficiently assess NORM hazard, manage situations when such hazard occurs, as well as develop of sustainable treatment of NORM residues/waste.

Registration deadline: 14^th February 2025

The main goal of this training course is to maintain and develop competences in the field of radiation protection related to NORM. During the training course the complete set of concepts, terms and activities that make up a scientific domain covering all NORM aspects (NORM body of knowledge) is consequently developed. The lectures given and active participation in exercises let trainees gather systematically all information about NORM

(including radon), starting with general aspects and coherent definitions applicable, the methodology of NORM involving exposure situations identification, related hazard characterisation, details concerning monitoring methods planning and execution as well as appropriate measurement results interpretation. Recent outcomes of RadoNorm project on NORM and radon exposure situations inventory, characterisation, monitoring principles, management strategies developed and existing/possible mitigation options are introduced into the training course programme. Finally, trainees will acquire knowledge enabling consciously, effectively, and efficiently assess NORM hazard, manage situations when such hazard occurs, as well as develop of sustainable treatment of NORM residues/waste.

Registration deadline: 14 February 2025.

Course flyer and programme can be found on: https://www.radonorm.eu/calls/call-for-courses/

Course website: https://szkolenia.gig.eu/radonorm2025-2/

The RadoNorm project aims at improved understanding of effects and risks from radon and NORM exposure situations to assure effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations. However, radon is also a clinically approved treatment modality for a number of non-cancer diseases. What is the relationship between health risk and benefit when it is used as medication? The aim of the course is to look into this question and thus provide participants with a broader view of the impact of radon exposure on human health.

One of the oldest and most famous radon spas in the world is in Bad Gastein in Austria and one of the leading centres in research on the medical use of radon is the University Clinics in Erlangen. Participants of the course will learn why and how radon is used for pain reduction and treatment of auto-immune diseases. What are the benefits and what are the risks? The course will include a series of relevant lectures held at LMU, München, a visit of the Bad Gastein radon spa where patients are treated for various non-cancer diseases. There, the participants will experience a radon-treatment session. Finally, participants will visit the University Clinics Erlangen where basic and clinical research on radon therapy and effects of alpha particles is carried out. Radon measurements will be carried out in the Bad Gastein spa. Water and soil samples will also be collected and analysed for activity and content of radionuclides.

Registration deadline: 14^th February 2025

The RadoNorm project aims at improved understanding of effects and risks from radon and NORM exposure situations to assure effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations. However, radon is also a clinically approved treatment modality for a number of non-cancer diseases. What is the relationship between health risk and benefit when it is used as medication? The aim of the course is to look into this question and thus provide participants with a broader view of the impact of radon exposure on human health.

One of the oldest and most famous radon spas in the world is in Bad Gastein in Austria and one of the leading centres in research on the medical use of radon is the University Clinics in Erlangen. Participants of the course will learn why and how radon is used for pain reduction and treatment of auto-immune diseases. What are the benefits and what are the risks? The course will include a series of relevant lectures held at LMU, München, a visit of the Bad Gastein radon spa where patients are treated for various non-cancer diseases. There, the participants will experience a radon-treatment session. Finally, participants will visit the University Clinics Erlangen where basic and clinical research on radon therapy and effects of alpha particles is carried out. Radon measurements will be carried out in the Bad Gastein spa. Water and soil samples will also be collected and analysed for activity and content of radionuclides.

There is no course fee and the following costs will be covered:

• travelling between München, Bad Gastein and Erlangen by minivans,
• accommodation costs (one night) in Bad Gastein
• catering in München

Participants must cover travel costs to München, accommodation in München and catering in Bad Gastein and Erlangen. Course flyer and programme can be found on: https://www.radonorm.eu/calls/call-for-courses/.

The maximum number of participants is 14. The course is intended for PhD students and early career researchers.

Organizer*: by Stockholm University, Hungarian Center for Energy Research, Ludwig Maximilian University

Presenter: Tuukka Turtiainen (STUK)

Abstract:

Since the 1980s, Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has managed radon measurements in homes and workplaces, maintaining a register from roughly 160,000 dwellings and 30,000 workplaces. The RadoNorm project examined radon variations in multi-unit residential and workplace buildings. Indoor radon levels displayed a log-normal distribution, with geometric standard deviation (GSD) dependent on measurement points, not absolute radon levels. In residential buildings, GSD increased from 1.4 for two measured units to 2.0 for twenty units. In workplaces, GSD rose from 1.6 with two points to 2.5 for twenty-five points. These findings suggest single measurements are inadequate for predicting radon levels in other units within the same building. All units need individual assessment, and workplaces, especially large ones, require numerous measurement points to capture significant spatial variations.

The presence of radon as an odourless and colourless gas can be identified only through measurement. New building technologies on one side and reconstructions of existing buildings, which were quite often built without any protection against ingress of radon from soil gas on the other side, may pose a challenge for maintaining low exposure of the public to indoor radon.

A well-planned measurement campaign using modern measurement methods is usually the first but not only step towards optimised exposure.

Participants will gain new competencies in designing measurement campaigns with the objective of identifying radon sources indoors and sharing the results with an understanding of the functionality of radon preventive measures and remedial actions from the point of view of the technical state of the building and the presence of the radon sources.

Registration deadline: 28^th February 2025

The main goal of this training course is to maintain and develop competences in radiochemistry. The aim is to train young researchers and professionals in measurement of specific natural radionuclides activity concentration. Theoretical knowledge about natural radionuclides behaviour in environment determining necessity their monitoring as well as advanced features of LSC and alpha-particle spectrometry will be provided. However, the most attention will be paid on development of practical competences in laboratory works. The participants will have an opportunity to gain manual skills and gather practical experience exercising rapid yet accurate and validated analytical techniques following the entire analytical chain starting with laboratory sample preservation, through dissolution, radionuclides of interest pre-concentration, chemical separation of interfering radionuclides and matrix components, ending with test specimen preparation. The relevant measurement, measuring instruments setting, necessary calibration rules and final interpretation of results obtained will crown each evaluation procedure.

Registration deadline: 12^th March 2025

Course flyer and programme can be found on: https://www.radonorm.eu/calls/call-for-courses/

Course website: https://szkolenia.gig.eu/radonorm2025-1/

The meeting will highlight accomplishments, outputs, new knowledge, and point out the gaps needing further research.