Strengthening radiation research

Radiation research is used to develop modern cancer therapies and high-tech network communication. The insights gained are needed for the energy transition and upcoming space programmes. Radiation research is thus research for the future.

BfS President Inge Paulini at the Radiation Protection Forum

"When striving to make technical progress and sustainably protect the people and the environment of tomorrow, we cannot neglect the issue of radiation in research and science today", says Dr Inge Paulini, President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS).

The BfS and other actors from politics and science see a central need for action in the field of radiation research in the following areas:

• Radiation research must be considered from the very beginning of technological developments. Research is a basic prerequisite for the safe and innovative future of our country – so that both people and the environment are protected from the consequences of radiation.
• Radiation research at a high level requires a corresponding infrastructure. This includes a dense network of scientific institutions, laboratories, courses of study, further education, and funding programmes, which must be appropriately equipped.
• Radiation knows no borders. Radiation research must therefore be international. Germany must continue to maintain its leading international position in radiation research.

At the digital radiation protection forum "Radiant future in digitalisation and modern medicine" on 24 June, the central points were presented to and discussed with representatives from politics, research, and medicine. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) organised the virtual dialogue and networking event together with the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) and the German Commission on Radiation Protection (SSK).

Radiation research in Germany as a centre of science

Building on the concept of the federal government for the development of skills and young talent for nuclear safety, the BMU and BfS have jointly carried out a needs analysis for radiation protection. This was published at the beginning of June.

Future laboratory assistants learn how to check measured values

"There is a great need for research at the top international level. However, research infrastructure and basic research in Germany have recently suffered losses in many places", says Paulini.

Radiation protection skills are required in many occupational fields. In order to maintain or expand the interest of experts and specialists from medicine, the natural sciences, and engineering in radiation protection, the right steps must be taken now. "Radiation research must be considered and anchored in research and development, education, and knowledge management as well as through committees and networks", says Paulini.

Together for long-term research strategy

In this context, BMU State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth underlined the importance of sustainable measures for maintaining expertise: "A high level of expertise does not develop within a project. Once long-standing expertise has been lost, it can no longer be rebuilt or can be done so only with considerable effort".

Working in the laboratory

The chairman of the SSK, Professor Werner Rühm, emphasised the need for interdisciplinary planning in the field of radiation research: "Radiation and the possible health effects associated with it concern our society as a whole and call for different research disciplines. For this, cooperation between all actors – from university and non-university research institutes to departmental research institutions – is crucial".

At the beginning of June, the SSK published the statement "Securing long-term expertise in the field of radiation research and application in Germany – most important scientific disciplines and key players in research" on its website.

The networking event was an important step on the way to achieving these long-term goals. "Modern and strong radiation research is indispensable. The task of not only maintaining but also expanding this potential in Germany must now – also with a view to the coming legislative period – be dealt with by politics, business, and science", emphasised Paulini.