New network for greater radiation protection expertise

New network intended to bolster expertise

Radiation research is having a hard time in Germany: well-known institutes in the area of radiation protection have closed, and relevant training programmes for young scientists are few and far between. At the same time, the country is in need of highly qualified radiation protection experts – for example, as medicine develops increasingly effective radiotherapy procedures for the fight against cancer. In industry, companies are using new types of ultrashort pulse lasers for the machining of materials. Even after the shutdown of nuclear power plants in Germany, emergency preparedness must still be ensured, as facilities in other countries continue to operate close to the border. Both in that context and in relation to many future technologies, there is a need for radiation protection experts with expertise in measurement technology, for example, in order to keep pace with innovation.

Prof Dr Werner Rühm

Now, the aim of bolstering radiation protection expertise in Germany is being addressed by a new "Radiation Protection Qualification Alliance", whose office is based at the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). "The Qualification Alliance is intended to assess demand for radiation protection expertise, to highlight existing training programmes, to identify any deficits, and to demonstrate solutions for the purpose of making improvements," says Professor Werner Rühm. "On the one hand, radiation has led to technical and medical progress. On the other hand, it poses a risk to human health and the environment."

Rühm leads the BfS staff unit "Future of Radiation Protection", which was established in January 2023 and serves as the office’s headquarters. He is also Chair of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

Dr Inge Paulini

Paulini welcomes the environment ministry's initiative

The Qualification Alliance is being established on the initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). "The BfS welcomes the BMUV's initiative with a view to bolstering radiation protection expertise in Germany. Continuing education and training in the area of radiation protection are a key part of this," says BfS President Inge Paulini.

An information event was held for the federal states and interested ministries on 5 December 2023 in order to present the Qualification Alliance and to shore up its establishment at the national level.

Alliance seeks to bring many interest groups to the table

"Particularly in times of a skills shortage, it’s important to secure expertise in the area of radiation research and radiation applications in Germany for the long term," explains Professor Rühm. "This involves many interest groups, which the office will approach step by step. The idea is to share knowledge within the Alliance, to pool demand for training, among other things, and to engage in dialogue with the supply side."

Account must be taken of radiation protection aspects from the outset during the development of new technologies – be it in medicine, the aerospace industry, communication technology, power grids, recycling, construction or many other areas, says Rühm.

Interested institutions can contact the "Radiation Protection Qualification Alliance" by emailing QV-Strahlenschutz@bfs.de.