National Radiation Safety Research Programme

The Cores cooperation is based on the National Radiation Safety Research Programme, describing the research needs and the role of each member.

Radiation safety encompasses both ionising and non-ionising radiation. Essential needs for knowledge are centered around the following topics:

• Radiation and health: health effects and mechanisms of action of radiation, medical use of radiation, patient safety and safe diagnostic and treatment procedures, occupational safety, risk awareness and risk perception
• Radiation in the environment: radon safe construction, transfer of radioactive substances in the environment, radioactivity in foodstuffs and exposure via ingestion, impact of radiation on on biota, special national characteristics
• Preparedness for radiation and nuclear threats and accidents: emergency preparedness and response as well as security aspects
• Measurements and technologies in radiation safety: innovations in metrology and dosimetry, as well as  applications, software and equipment supporting the functions of radiation and nuclear safety and security.

STUK focuses its research in topics and development that directly serve the supervisory functions, security and emergency preparedness. Universities play an important role in multidisciplinary projects and topics addressing basic and applied research related to risk assessment, technological development and risk management. STUK has played a central role in the creation of European Strategic Research Agendas and research platforms in the Euratom research and training program. Our aim is to link the national radiation safety program with the European joint program addressing radiation protection research.