Submitted by Ms. Catherine Louise Barnett on
Scientific challenge
Decision-makers and the public need accessible, understandable information about the many different issues concerning radioactivity in the environment. Scientists need to provide independent guidance based upon well-founded research. The Radioecology Exchange is a gateway to accessing such information online, particularly in relation to radiation protection and radioecological resources.
It was created by the Strategy for Allied Radioecology (STAR) network of excellence and is maintained by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
The Radioecology Exchange includes information and outputs from the STAR network and the COMET project (Coordination and Implementation of a pan-European instrument for radioecology).
Developing radioecology skills
Radioecology is the study of the behaviour and effects of radioactive elements in the environment. It measures the exposure of humans and other organisms to radiation. It became a strong discipline in Europe in response to the Chernobyl accident but now, as experts retire, expertise is being lost and radioecology is becoming fragmented across Europe. STAR, COMET and the European Radioecology Alliance hope to stop this decline and maintain and develop skills.
Watch the video below in which people working in the field explain what radioecology is (with thanks to Clare Bradshaw, Stockholm University):
Visit the Radioecology Exchange for news, details of workshops and training materials.
