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Development of the Institute of Nuclear Technology –
Radiation Protection (INT-RP) started in 1960 around the
Research Reactor. The INT-RP was established as an
independent Institute in 1986. It is organized in seven
laboratories:
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Nuclear Research Reactor Centre
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Health Physics & Environmental Health
Laboratory
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Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory
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Environmental Research Laboratory
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System Reliability & Industrial Safety
Laboratory
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Solar & Other Energy Systems Laboratory
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Thermal Hydraulics & Multiphase Flow
Laboratory
Research in the corresponding fields is carried out along
with the provision of advanced technology services.
INT-RP competes successfully for research funds at a
national as well as at a European level. Third party funding
for the Institute for the period 2003-2007 was 15 million
Euros.
INT-RP’s personnel consists of 134 staff members classified
as: 38 permanent researchers; 49 technical and other support
scientists; 23 scientists under fixed- term contracts and 24
PhD candidates. |
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Scientific and Technical Know-how |
In addition to the high quality research, reflected in the
publications in international scientific journals
publications, INT-RP: |
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Operates the only Experimental Nuclear
Reactor in Greece (5MW) (with applications in neutron
scattering techniques, nuclear analytical techniques,
new materials and in biological tissue sterilization)
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Operates an integrated radiation
protection centre in Greece
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Possesses expertise and facilities for
radioactive waste treatment
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Maintains an integrated laboratory of
Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring in Greece, with
an extensive network of sampling/measuring/monitoring
stations covering the entire country
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It operates a state-of the art
atmospheric fine and ultrafine aerosol characterization
monitoring site
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Is active in the field on nuclear fusion
with emphasis on technology. It is the coordinator of
the Greek Programme of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion
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It has expertise in the evaluation and
estimation of the implications of overexposure to
ionising radiation using biological dosimetry methods.
It has been selected by the IAEA as a laboratory for the
standardization of these methods
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It has developed knowhow for the
integrated risk assessment of complex technological
systems of new technologies, as well as the assessment
of occupational risk along with the associated
uncertainties. This know-how has been used on behalf of
the Greek Ministries of Environment and Development, in
the safety evaluation of Greek chemical companies
according to the SEVESO Directive as well as in the risk
assessment of several industrial installations
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Applies an integrated R&D approach to
environmental problems combining diagnosis, prognosis,
impact and pollution-mitigation technology as well as
software development (ISO 9001) and measurements (ISO
17025). Provides a broad range of services to Public and
Private Organizations in Greece and abroad
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Operates two accredited laboratories ERL
and EREL in PM10 aerosol measurements in the atmospheric
environment
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Develops and applies advanced software
tools for hydrogen safety as well as materials for
improved hydrogen storage
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Pursues an integrated approach on R&D in
the area of thermal solar energy utilization, by means
of high-performance solar collectors combined with
thermal storage for both low and high temperature
applications
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Operates the only accredited Laboratory
for the evaluation of the performance of solar energy
systems and the development of methods for qualification
and characterization of energy products (ISO, EN)
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Develops state-of-the-art scientific
software for micro-nano-particle dynamics and biofluid
flow applications
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Possesses an advanced computer cluster
capable of more than 150 parallel processes and
integrated in the world GRID system
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It has expertise in molecular and
cytogenetic evaluation of hematological neoplasias. It
includes the ‘‘Cytogenetic reference lab’’ for the
Hellenic Society of Hematology, providing centralized
cytogenetic services to all Greek hospitals
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Perspective |
Transferring know-how from nuclear technology to other
fields of direct interest and of importance to Greece has
been the focus of INT-RP’s R & D efforts. Expansion of the
provided technological services will continue while research
will remain the Institute’s first and main priority. |
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I. Exploitation of the Research
Reactor
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A major refurbishment of the research reactor is under way
aiming at the extension of the reactor life-time for at
least 20 more years and comprising: |
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renovation of the reactor
building and supporting electromechanical systems
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replacement of the Primary
Cooling System
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replacement of the Reactor
Control System
Further to the up to date
applications (material investigation, multi-element analysis
via neutron activation, biological tissue sterilization) new
activities will include: |
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the establishment of the research
reactor as a prototype of a safely operating nuclear
facility and a corresponding training centre
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the establishment of a Neutron
Scattering Centre unique in the region and attracting
researchers from other institutes, research centres and
universities
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applications of nuclear analytical
techniques in novel fields as new materials, health
sciences, environment and cultural heritage studies
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II. Environmental Technology |
Emphasis is placed on further developing: |
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the technology of aerosol particle
characterization with applications in air quality,
climate change and environmental health
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the technology of radiological quality
assessment of ecosystems
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the measurements and algorithms of
pollutant (radioactive and non radioactive) dispersion
in atmosphere, soil and inland surface waters
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analysis of severe industrial accidents
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the assessment of trace elements in
environmental samples using neutron activation
techniques
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computational tools for assessing the
effective individual biological dose from suspended
micro-nano particles
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III. Energy Technology |
There will be further activities in: |
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technology of fission and fusion
reactors
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4t-generation solar thermal systems for
low and high temperature applications and suitable
thermal storage techniques hydrogen and other Energy
Systems (technology, safety, storage)
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the assessment of environmental impact
of conventional Power Plants as well as electricity
production management
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enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from
underground reservoirs and energy-efficient separations
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the development of hydrogen technologies
(storage, safety)
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IIV. Health Technology |
Activities will be focused in: |
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Radiobiology, biological dosimetry and
radiation protection
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Cytogenetics and molecular evaluation of
hematological malignancies
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Biological effects of environmental (physical
and chemical) genotoxic agents
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Development of nuclear analytical
techniques for in vivo and in vitro body composition
studies
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Software development for prognostic and
diagnostic studies of platelet aggregation and blood
coagulation
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Mathematical modelling of particle bio
distribution and doses in target organs
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V. Horizontal Action |
Activities on risk assessment and safety of technological
systems, new technologies for both the general public and
the involved personnel will continue. |
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Education |
A number of undergraduate and postgraduate students are
being trained at the Institute. During 2003-2007 20
doctorates have been completed.
A number of seminars on radiation protection are provided to
staff of “Demokritos”, police, firemen, airlines staff, etc. |
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Information |
N.C.S.R. “Demokritos”, Institute of Nuclear Technology and
Radiation Protection
15310 Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Greece
Τel: +30 210 6503757, Fax + 30 210 6545496
secretariat(a)ipta.demokritos.gr, http://ipta.demokritos.gr |
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