Nuclear Science Unplugged: My Experience at the Autumn Nuclear Science Workshop in Helsinki

Dalton Nuclear Institute Life at UoM New Developments Power and Energy Networks Research SEES UOM life 22nd November 2024

Words by Sanya Panda, Earth and Environmental Science student specialising in Earth & Planetary Science (Geochemistry)

Collaboration and exploration: these two things fuelled Sanya’s recent trip to Finland’s capital. Scientists, researchers and students travelled far and wide to Helsinki in late October, all ready to discuss one of the most misunderstood forces on Earth: nuclear science. This is her experience…

Not too long ago, I found myself at the Bachelors School of Nuclear Science, right in the heart of The University of Helsinki’s city centre campus. This incredible opportunity allowed me to delve into the cutting-edge advancements in nuclear science, from clean energy solutions to medical breakthroughs.

Led by experts from Finnish academia, research institutions, industry and regulatory bodies, the program offered a comprehensive overview of critical topics such as the civil nuclear fuel cycle, advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear decommissioning, and critical practices around radiation safety and regulation. The workshop was a brilliantly curated mix of theoretical and real-world applications in a city known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Helsinki presented a great opportunity to explore both the possibilities as well as the responsibilities of nuclear technology in today’s world.

Day One

We were first presented the different concepts in nuclear waste management by Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science and Professor of Radio Chemistry, Gareth Law. He discussed the aspects considered while setting up a geological disposal facility (GDF) which is an internationally recognised system for disposal of nuclear wastes.

Professor Law then introduced us to the Onkalo spent nuclear fuel repository, which is the world’s first long-term disposal facility for spent nuclear fuel. Following the lecture, we visited the VTT Nuclear Safety Laboratories and observed firsthand how Finland pioneers research in nuclear safety.  

Day Two

The second day of the workshop focused on learning about the different environmental radiation monitoring methods. We visited the State Office for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (STUK) laboratories to learn about the different continuous and automatic monitoring of radioactive substances. This knowledge would help us to plan and inform about realistic measures to reduce or avoid exposure to hazardous levels of radiation.                                                                                                                   

The final session on medical applications was especially novel and insightful to me as a Geochemistry student. It detailed how radioisotopes are used in treatments for cancer and other diseases, and the Helsinki University Hospital’s (HUS) facilities offered a glimpse into the medical applications of nuclear science. Scientists and professionals presented the HUS facilities and explained to us the various nuclear reactor-based and proton accelerator-based therapies used for treatments.

Another highlight of this workshop were impromptu team bonding evenings which allowed the 20 students (from different EU countries) to interact and get to know each other, extending the knowledge transfer session into a cultural exchange experience.

On the whole, the Helsinki trip was a unique opportunity to connect with other members of the nuclear science community and gain valuable insights into the innovations driving the field forward.

Earth and Environmental SciencesNuclearnuclear energynuclear power