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Science and research

The decisive contribution to up-to-date radiation protection adapted to the findings of science and technology is provided by the in-house research practised at BfS and the monitoring of external research projects. In addition to its own research, the BfS commissions research programmes and projects within the framework of the departmental research plan of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, whose planning, technical preparation, scientific monitoring and evaluation are in the hands of BfS experts.

Based on its research activities, the BfS makes recommendations to the Federal Ministry for the Environment in the field of radiation protection.

Graphic with BfS building in the background. Larger two researchers with microscope and screens with graphic analyses. In the foreground is a group of people: a researcher explains new findings to politicians and citizens.

Research at BfS

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) fulfils tasks that are predominantly assigned to it by law and ordinance and whose fulfilment is fundamentally oriented towards the state of the art in science and technology. For this reason, the BfS Establishment Act states that the BfS conducts research to fulfil its tasks.

Graphic with food, cow in the pasture, airplane is exposed to cosmic radiation, radon comes out of the ground

Research on natural radiation exposure

A primary task of radiation protection research is to record and evaluate the natural radiation exposure of people and the environment. For example, accumulation processes of natural radioactive substances (e.g. radon) must be identified and evaluated in good time so that any risk to people and the environment can be counteracted at an early stage with appropriate measures.

Graphic: Man and woman with files talk about an X-ray machine that is in the background.

Research on the use of ionizing radiation and radioactive substances in medicine

Ionizing radiation or radioactive substances are used in medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Here it is particularly important that the health benefits of an application in humans outweigh the radiation risk. The benefits and risks of examination procedures must be weighed up, lower-risk alternative procedures must be sought and radiation exposure must be reduced by means of suitable procedures.

Radiation sources in everyday lifeSource: elenabsl/Stock.adobe.com

Research on electromagnetic fields

We encounter electromagnetic fields in many applications in everyday life – from electricity pylons to smart phones. In research projects, we have been dealing with the effects of mobile communications on health. The expansion of the power grid as a result of the energy transition has brought the health effects of low-frequency electric and magnetic fields into focus.

Illustration: Man and woman in the foreground. BfS building in the background. Speech bubble above the woman with question mark signals questions. Speech bubble with an exclamation mark above the man signals assertions.

Research on social aspects of radiation protection

Numerous research projects on social aspects of radiation protection are technically supervised by BfS. These include, among others, research projects in the field of risk and science communication, which investigate how information on radiation and radiation protection is perceived by the public. They also look at how this information can be communicated in such a way as to ensure informed handling of radiation risks and the best possible protection of the public against them.

Graphic: Two strands of DNA. One is destroyed by radiation.

Research on the effects and risks of ionizing radiation

When ionizing radiation hits the human body, damage can occur in individual cells or tissues. The Radiation Protection Ordinance contains limit values ​​for the protection of individuals in the population and for the protection of occupationally exposed people. These limit values ​​are based on scientific findings, which must be constantly updated and adapted to the state of scientific and medical research in the interest of the most comprehensive radiation protection possible.

Sketches: Nuclear power plant, transport vehicles, satellite, nuclear facilities, and others, each with a radioactivity symbol, grouped around a plant

Research on accident management

Wherever work is carried out with radioactive substances or ionizing radiation, incidents can occur due to human and/or technical failure in which radioactive substances are released and/or people are exposed to radiation. Therefore, identifying and optimizing precautionary measures in the event of incidents and accidents is an ongoing task of the BfS.

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Scientific collaborations with organisations and institutions

The BfS cooperates with German and international universities. In addition, it maintains an intensive exchange with non-university institutions at home and abroad.

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