NSERC/UNENE IRC in Health Physics and Environmental Safety

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Health physics and environmental safety are cornerstone fields of study for all applications of ionizing radiation in industry, research and education and most importantly in the exploitation of nuclear energy. Government and public concern over the safe operation of nuclear power plants is at a heightened state following the events at Fukushima in March, 2011 and at the same time there is a general awareness of the beneficial use of ionizing radiation in industry, natural resource development and medicine. Health physics is the science that addresses the safe use of radiation and protection of humans and the environment from the harmful effects of exposure. The overall objectives of this Industrial Research Chair program are to train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers in health physics by providing them with a unique and industry relevant educational experience and to improve radiation protection science for nuclear energy workers and for the protection of the environment through innovative research. The aim of this research is to develop novel radiation measuring instruments that can provide instantaneous information on the radiation conditions within a power plant, nuclear laboratory or the environment and where necessary to couple these devices with robotic tools so that remote monitoring, hazard visualization and work-planning can be carried to ensure that radiation hazards are kept as low as possible and well within regulatory limits with the least loss of efficiency. The research program is also designed to advance our basic understanding of the health risks incurred by nuclear energy workers, the public and non-human species due to low-level radiation exposure and to reduce scientific uncertainties for this topical and controversial issue.