Increased global interest in nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels, along with concerns about nuclear safety in conflict situations, has made research on radioactivity more important than ever.
"At the CERAD research centre, we worked on everything from understanding the impact of radioactivity on ecosystems to developing contingency plans for nuclear accidents. Our goal was to contribute to a safer world," says Deborah H. Oughton, researcher and centre director at CERAD, Centre for Radioactivity, People and the Environment.
From Fukushima to new global challenges
CERAD was founded through a collaboration between academic institutions, research institutes and governments in 2013. At the start of the centre, particular attention was paid to the consequences of the Fukushima accident. Since then, new challenges have emerged, such as national requirements for the closure of Norway's two research reactors and new nuclear threats from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The centre's research objectives still apply, but its relevance and importance to society have increased significantly over the past ten years.
After ten years of groundbreaking research, CERAD developed into one of the foremost research centers in the field of radioactivity. The centre has received NOK 155 million in funding from the Research Council of Norway.
Simple steps for a radon-free home
Research has shown how radioactivity affects the environment and other environmental toxins. One example is the centre's work with radon. Radon, a natural source of radioactivity in Norway, is an invisible and odorless gas that rises from the ground and into the home, especially in basements and ground floors. In these places, radon poses a significant health risk. In Norway, radon is known as the second largest cause of lung cancer after smoking. Between 300 and 400 cases of lung cancer each year can be attributed to long-term exposure to radon.
"CERAD led the research on radon and the health effects of radon exposure. Radon protection in the home is important. Simple measures can be to test with measuring equipment, increase ventilation by opening windows or installing fans, and seal cracks in the foundation to prevent radon ingress," says Oughton.
New insights can save ecosystems and human lives
At the centre, researchers have developed innovative models to predict how radioactivity spreads in the air and water. These models use data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute to create accurate simulations of radioactive movement over long distances. This is very useful in emergency planning that can be used to plan evacuations and measures that can save lives.
"At CERAD we also researched ecological perspectives in emergency planning and impact assessment. Our studies show, among other things, that earthworms, which are very important for the ecosystem, are more sensitive to radioactivity than assumed. Especially for reproduction. This affects the entire food chain and shows the need for ecological perspectives in emergency planning. The results have also contributed to new guidelines for food safety and handling of agricultural products after radioactive incidents, protecting health and the economy," says Oughton.
The cooperation between CERAD and a number of national and international institutions, including the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and joint efforts in the work on global challenges related to radioactivity.
The country's largest players in nuclear science are now gathered in one centre
Deborah also talks about a new nuclear research centre, the "Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre" (NNRC), which started up in 2023 and will be active until 2031. Supported by the Research Council of Norway, NNRC will strengthen the country's research in nuclear science, with leading contributions from NMBU, the University of Oslo (UiO), and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), in addition to other national and international partners.
"The NNRC will make a strong contribution to meeting Norwegian society's need for expertise in radiation protection and radiation safety, nuclear safety and emergency preparedness, the production of radionuclides for medical and industrial use, and for the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and the management of radioactive waste," says Oughton.