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Our Structure
Director
Our Staff
History
Contact Info

Overview
 
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:
  • Nuclear Research Reactor Centre

  • Health Physics & Environmental Health Laboratory

  • Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory

  • Environmental Research Laboratory

  • System Reliability & Industrial Safety Laboratory

  • Solar & Other Energy Systems Laboratory

  • 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.

 
Scientific and Technical Know-how
In addition to the high quality research, reflected in the publications in international scientific journals publications, INT-RP:
  • 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)

  • Operates an integrated radiation protection centre in Greece

  • Possesses expertise and facilities for radioactive waste treatment

  • Maintains an integrated laboratory of Environmental Radioactivity Monitoring in Greece, with an extensive network of sampling/measuring/monitoring stations covering the entire country

  • It operates a state-of the art atmospheric fine and ultrafine aerosol characterization monitoring site

  • Is active in the field on nuclear fusion with emphasis on technology. It is the coordinator of the Greek Programme of Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Operates two accredited laboratories ERL and EREL in PM10 aerosol measurements in the atmospheric environment

  • Develops and applies advanced software tools for hydrogen safety as well as materials for improved hydrogen storage

  • 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

  • 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)

  • Develops state-of-the-art scientific software for micro-nano-particle dynamics and biofluid flow applications

  • Possesses an advanced computer cluster capable of more than 150 parallel processes and integrated in the world GRID system

  • 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

 
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.
 

I. Exploitation of the Research Reactor

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:
  • renovation of the reactor building and supporting electromechanical systems

  • replacement of the Primary Cooling System

  • 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:

  • the establishment of the research reactor as a prototype of a safely operating nuclear facility and a corresponding training centre

  • the establishment of a Neutron Scattering Centre unique in the region and attracting researchers from other institutes, research centres and universities

  • applications of nuclear analytical techniques in novel fields as new materials, health sciences, environment and cultural heritage studies

II. Environmental Technology
Emphasis is placed on further developing:
  • the technology of aerosol particle characterization with applications in air quality, climate change and environmental health

  • the technology of radiological quality assessment of ecosystems

  • the measurements and algorithms of pollutant (radioactive and non radioactive) dispersion in atmosphere, soil and inland surface waters

  • analysis of severe industrial accidents

  • the assessment of trace elements in environmental samples using neutron activation techniques

  • computational tools for assessing the effective individual biological dose from suspended micro-nano particles

III. Energy Technology
There will be further activities in:
  • technology of fission and fusion reactors

  • 4t-generation solar thermal systems for low and high temperature applications and suitable thermal storage techniques hydrogen and other Energy Systems (technology, safety, storage)

  • the assessment of environmental impact of conventional Power Plants as well as electricity production management

  • enhanced hydrocarbon recovery from underground reservoirs and energy-efficient separations

  • the development of hydrogen technologies (storage, safety)

IIV. Health Technology
Activities will be focused in:
  • Radiobiology, biological dosimetry and radiation protection

  • Cytogenetics and molecular evaluation of hematological malignancies

  • Biological effects of environmental (physical and chemical) genotoxic agents

  • Development of nuclear analytical techniques for in vivo and in vitro body composition studies

  • Software development for prognostic and diagnostic studies of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation

  • Mathematical modelling of particle bio distribution and doses in target organs

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.
 
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.
 
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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