The IAEA has launched an innovative, interactive e‑learning course on approaches and methods to help countries perform prospective radiological environmental impact assessment (REIA).
Nuclear facilities, for example nuclear power plants or hospitals with nuclear medicine departments, release very low amounts of radioactive materials into the environment during their normal operation. These releases are authorized by national regulators and, as part of this safety process, experts conduct REIA to estimate potential radiological impacts on the public and the environment.
"The course is particularly beneficial for early career professionals who want to gain practical knowledge and hands on experience of carrying out radiological environmental impact assessments," said Joanne Brown, Head of the IAEA Assessment and Management of Environmental Releases Unit.
The course provides detailed insights into the processes and steps involved in performing REIA through practical exercises and recorded lectures. It gives an overview of relevant IAEA Safety Standards covering protection of people and the environment, along with other key publications providing guidance on REIA.
"A key learning objective of the course is for participants to be able to perform the necessary calculations to assess radiation doses to people and wildlife. Participants may also check their answers against the correct solutions provided at the end of each lesson," said Daria Koliabina, course designer within the Unit.
Course participant Konrad Lotter said that "those new to the topic will find the example calculations and explanations of basic concepts very helpful, while the video lectures contain many insights that more experienced professionals could benefit from as well."
This self paced course is available online and free of charge through the IAEA Learning Management System. It takes between 10 and 15 hours to complete, and participants can download a certificate of completion at the end.
Developed Under the MEREIA Programme
This course was developed under the scope of the IAEA's Methods for Radiological and Environmental Impact Assessment (MEREIA) programme. MEREIA supports countries to develop methodologies and assessment approaches for understanding potential impacts on both people and wildlife from radionuclides in the environment. It aims to build international consensus on good practice in this area, under the umbrella of the IAEA Safety Standards.
The MEREIA programme contributes to capacity building and knowledge management by offering a platform for international experts and professionals to connect and collaborate. It also serves to strengthen the development of young professionals through a series of workshops and opportunities to interact with senior specialists.
The MEREIA programme, launched in 2021, is intended for professionals from regulatory bodies, operating organizations, technical support organisations, scientists, researchers, decision makers and others with responsibilities in carrying out radiological environmental impact assessments.
