Boosting the study of radioactivity
Great strides have recently been made in the study of actinide atoms (extremely heavy radioactive elements such as uranium and plutonium) using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The Karlsruhe Actinide NMR Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been established as a state-of-the-art NMR spectrometer facility to study solid and liquid radioactive materials. The EURACT-NMR project was designed to provide nuclear researchers across Europe with access to world-class NMR facilities capable of dealing with highly radioactive samples. It was coordinated by the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, and provided 100 days of access to the CoE in each of three research domains over a 2-year period. EURACT-NMR supported 14 projects of visiting scientists from Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. Seventeen visiting researchers were also supported by the project, including eight PhD students and early-stage researchers. A final workshop was held to highlight the work of EURACT-NMR researchers. All project participants presented the results of their work at this event. By opening the doors of an important CoE in actinide NMR research, the project spread knowledge and techniques to other facilities and institutes throughout Europe. The end result is rapid advancement of nuclear fuel development and nuclear waste disposal technologies, leading to enhanced energy security and safety.
Keywords
Radioactivity, radioactive particles, actinide atoms, radioactive elements, nuclear magnetic resonance, nuclear researchers, nuclear fuel, nuclear waste disposal, energy security
