How to Address the Challenges of Tomorrow in Radiation Protection?Examples of Projects Conducted by the RadioChemistry, Speciation and Imaging Research Laboratory at the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority: From the Nuclear Industry to Medical Applications of Radionuclides.

The French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR), in addition to its regulatory role in overseeing civilian nuclear activities in France, also conducts research and provides expertise in the fields of nuclear safety and radiation protection (RP).

Future challenges in radiation protection are numerous within a rapidly evolving and innovative nuclear landscape: decommissioning operations, the development of small modular reactors, and the growing use of radioactive isotopes in medical applications, for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

During this seminar, we will explore how the RadioChemistry, Speciation and Imaging Research Laboratory contributes through its research to strengthening radiation protection in cases of internal exposure to radionuclides.

These studies address different exposure contexts — medical, occupational, and environmental — and aim in particular to improve our understanding of the chemical and biological behaviour of radionuclides, as well as their biodistribution within the body. Special attention will be given to radionuclides used in nuclear medicine, whose rapid development raises new radiation protection challenges for patients, healthcare professionals, and the environment.