Chemistry Unit
Training and Fellowships
The Chemistry Unit supports various Technical Co-operation (TC) programmes and projects by providing training of fellows, organizing and participating in TC training courses, providing expert consultant services, evaluating fellowship training requests and by functioning as technical officers for TC projects.
Technology transfer and establishment of local capabilities in Member States is accomplished through training programmes that increase the technical ability of specialists from developing countries. The training covers aspects of modern nuclear and non-nuclear analytical techniques, as well as measurements of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides, and the evaluation of the radioecological and toxicological impact on the environment and remediation strategies for contaminated areas.
In addition training can be provided for the production and certification of reference materials, and performance and evaluation of intercomparison studies and proficiency tests.
Training is conducted in the forms of regional and international training courses, group fellowship training (with a strong practical component) and in on-the-job training in the Chemistry Unit's laboratory. Expert missions to institutes and laboratories in developing Member States are carried out to advise on the design of laboratories, the installation of equipment and on the application of particular analytical procedures.
Individual Fellowships and Group Fellowship Training
All fellowships are granted through TC projects. The individual fellowships are, if possible, adapted to the needs of the trainees. If several scientists want similar training, group training is offered.
The training period for individual training varies typically from 3 months up to one year, group training is normally 2 to 3 months. Training in the Chemistry Unit covers following topics, but may be adapted also to special needs:
- Major, trace and ultratrace element analysis in environmental samples using ICP-OES, AAS or ICP-MS
- Radiochemical analysis of anthropogenic and primordial radionuclides in environmental samples
- Determination of gamma-emitting radionuclides by gamma-ray spectrometry
- Organization of interlaboratory studies and statistical evaluation of analytical data
- Determination of radionuclide transfer parameters in the environment and identification of optimal remediation actions (New)
During the training emphasis is given to the quality assurance and quality control components of the work.
Due to the large number of training requests during the last years (see Figure below) it has been possible to organize group training on various topics.
The following group training was offered in the last years:
- Advanced Radiochemical Techniques for Radionuclide Monitoring in Food and Environmental Samples (1996, 1998, 2000)
- Gamma and Selected Radiochemical Techniques for Radionuclide Monitoring in Food and Environmental Samples (1997)
- Gamma Measurements and Advanced Radiochemical Techniques for Radionuclide Monitoring in Food and Environmental Samples (2001, 2003)
