Our understanding of scientific work

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) works to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment from harm caused by ionising and non-ionising radiation. We are an independent scientific and technical authority in the portfolio of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). When performing our tasks, we act within the framework of the technical and legal supervision of the BMUV.

Tasks of the BfS specified by law and ordinance

The BfS performs tasks assigned to it by law and ordinance. The fulfilment of these is basically oriented towards the state of the art in science and technology. Scientific activities include both science-based work (i.e. the application of scientific knowledge) and research.

The performance of our tasks is based on an open scientific discourse as well as a high level of professional expertise and scientific judgement. We work in an objective and open-ended manner according to the general principles of good scientific practice and the specifications of the quality management system in force at the BfS.

Starting with a specific question, we develop reliable results that are documented transparently and comprehensibly. We assess the uncertainties in our considerations and present the valuation bases without qualification. In addition to the knowledge of the

• scientific, technical, and medical mechanisms and interrelationships,
• social and socio-scientific aspects and
• economic and legal aspects

are part of our interdisciplinary work.

By taking up new scientific findings, technical innovations, and social changes at an early stage, knowledge gaps can be identified and closed through research. We strive to use the financial and human resources at our disposal in an economic manner.

Knowledge transfer: research results as a decision-making aid for measures and as a source of guidance

In addition to scientific research, the transfer of technical expertise to sectors beyond academia is of particular importance to us as a departmental research institution.

Our research findings serve the Federal Government – and in particular the Federal Ministry for the Environment, in whose department we are located – as an essential decision-making aid for the derivation of measures within the framework of legislation. We provide the general public with valuable guidance on how to protect themselves from different types of radiation. In doing so, we are committed to providing independent and neutral information – and we are simultaneously open to dialogue with our target groups and stakeholders from civil-society.

The communication of scientific results in an easily understandable manner, both mediating and dialog-oriented, is part of our tasks. Through science communication, we communicate our scientific findings to the public. We also provide science-based policy advice to inform policy-makers about the current state of science in relation to radiation protection. In communicating the results of our scientific work, we also point out the limits of the current state of knowledge and existing uncertainties.

We have prepared a position paper setting out our understanding of knowledge transfer and how we implement this process in the form of science-based policy advice and science communication.

Scientific work at the BfS serves to perform the assigned tasks

Scientific work always serves to fulfil the tasks assigned to us and is thus always for a specific purpose. Our scientific activities include both science-based work and departmental research.

The basis for science-based work is the continual identification and application of the current state of science and technology. The aim of our science-based work is to process tasks efficiently and economically according to high quality standards. To this end, we network the different areas of work in the office, seek national and international cooperation partners, form targeted networks with scientific institutions, engage in committees and working groups, and participate in international research projects. Open questions are dealt with in the depth necessary for the performing the respective task.

Departmental research closes knowledge gaps

Departmental research is the means to close or substantially reduce knowledge gaps through targeted research and investigative approaches where required by the current and future tasks of the BfS. This also includes research projects on practical implementation and rule-making.

Research projects are always earmarked for a specific purpose because their results are used to derive

• need for legal regulation
• options for action
• decision-making processes and/or
• technological applications

Strategic research planning taking into account socio-political and interdepartmental framework conditions

From open scientific questions, we develop strategic research planning (research programme), taking into account socio-political and interdepartmental framework conditions. This is implemented through either our own research or external research contractors.

In-house research

Examples of in-house research include projects with questions that require the permanence of the institution (specialist staff, data, sample material, methodology) or third-party funded projects with university and non-university institutions. Results from our own research are always published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences and thus contribute to the international state of knowledge. In-house research maintains and strengthens scientific judgement and expertise and enables participation in international research networks.

Awarding of research projects

Research projects are awarded to work on clearly defined questions or for tasks that require the use of intricate methods. Such research projects are usually formulated through the departmental research plan and publicly tendered. The formulation of the objectives, the choice of methods (if applicable), the enlistment of technical support, and the acceptance of the final report as well as the evaluation and classification of the results and the deduction of the need for action require a high degree of scientific judgement and professional expertise. Research participants are encouraged to publish the results in peer-reviewed journals.

Scientific work based on nationally and internationally recognised professional and scientific expertise

Our scientific work is based on a nationally and internationally recognised level of professional and scientific expertise.

• Because of their expertise and experience, many knowledge mediators of the BfS are members of national and international expert committees and act at both the scientific and advisory/legislative level.
• Employees of the BfS serve as reviewers (including for scientific journals and the evaluation of third-party research projects) and organise scientific conferences.
• We report on our scientific work and results to the professional world through publications in specialist journals and at congresses.

We ensure the long-term preservation of our scientific and professional expertise through teaching activities at universities, expertise and junior staff development (e.g. through laboratory assistant and doctoral student training), and above the in-house processing of research tasks.

Our diverse activities result in usable contributions to scientific issues that go beyond the narrower spectrum of BfS tasks. These include general questions of health and environmental protection.