 |  |  |
Application of Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) and alpha spectrometry for NORM characterisation – the two weeks stationary training course organized by:
Silesian Centre for Environmental Radioactivity
together with
Competence Development Centre of the GIG Research Institute.
Place and date of training: Katowice (Poland), May 12th – 23th 2025
What the course is about?
The main goal of this training course is to maintain and develop competences in radiochemistry. The aim is to train young researchers and professionals in measurement of
specific natural radionuclides activity concentration. Theoretical knowledge about natural radionuclides behaviour in environment determining necessity their monitoring as well as advanced features of LSC and alpha-particle spectrometry will be provided. However, the most attention will be paid on development of practical competences in laboratory works. The participants will have an opportunity to gain manual skills and gather practical experience exercising rapid yet accurate and validated analytical techniques following the entire analytical chain starting with laboratory sample preservation, through dissolution, radionuclides of interest pre-concentration, chemical separation of interfering radionuclides and matrix components, ending with test specimen preparation. The relevant measurement, measuring instruments setting, necessary calibration rules and final interpretation of results obtained will crown each evaluation procedure.
For whom?
The course is designed to help trainees to broaden their competence in radiochemistry applicable for NORM characterisation and everyone interested in environmental monitoring is welcome. The expected target group are PhD students, researchers, and practitioners from NORM involving industries with different background involved in NORM investigations. The group of max 12 trainees assures full interaction with lecturers, effective execution of exercises and reasonable time for individual/group works,
discussions, and exercises results final evaluation. The background in analytical chemistry and ionizing radiation is expected, however not necessary.
The programme
How the classes will be held
The training course combines lectures and practical exercises based on investigation and solutions applied in existing situations. Exercises are planned to be held individually or in small working groups. The infrastructure of the Silesian Centre for Environmental radioactivity will be explored as radiochemical labs, multiple LSC counters and alpha spectrometers. Access to interesting, specific NORM samples will be provided to arrange challenging tasks in their proper evaluation! To check the training course effectiveness, multiple choice test and quizzes focusing on practical implementation of new knowledge gathered will be used. Experienced researchers directly involved in RadoNorm project as well as international renowned experts will give lectures and organise exercises.
Important information
- Course participation is free of charge for participants
- The organizers do not reimburse travel and accommodation costs, but suggest applying for a travel grant in frame of either RadoNorm or PIANOFORTE project:
- https://www.radonorm.eu/calls/call-for-travel-grant/ (for PhD students)
- https://pianoforte-partnership.eu/calls/travel-grants-for-researchers (MSc students also can apply)
- https://pianoforte-partnership.eu/calls/travel-grants-for-early-career-radiation-protection-professionals (especially for young professionals)
- The training course is conducted in English.
- The deadline for the submission of applications is: 12th March 2025. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent by March 19th, 2025
- A certificate of attendance will be issued at the end of the course
- Course is worth 10 ECTS points.
Application
Participants can register by completing the required documents and submitting them via e-mail to Aleksander Warkocz at awarkocz@gig.eu with a copy to Boguslaw Michalik at bmichalik@gig.eu and Izabela Chmielewska ichmielewska@gig.eu
Required documents
- Brief CV
- Application (Registration) Form
How to get to Katowice
Two main airports near Katowice are Kraków-Balice (KRK) and Katowice-Pyrzowice (KTW).
If you arrive at Kraków Balice, you can take a direct bus to Katowice, or alternatively, a bus or train to Kraków main railway station/bus station (called MDA) and then transfer to a train or bus to Katowice.
For more information on transportation options, you can visit:
www.trainkrakowairport.pl,
www.rozklady.mda.malopolska.pl,
www.busradar.com.
If you arrive at Katowice Pyrzowice, you have two options: take a direct bus or an indirect train to Katowice.
You can find more information on transportation options at:
www.katowice-airport.com/en/for-passengers/directions
www.busradar.com
Hotels
Please note that we do not provide accommodation for the duration of our courses. However, we can offer discount codes for hotels in Katowice.
Please feel free to send us a message with your application to inquire about the discount codes.
Contact and Information
Aleksander Warkocz
awarkocz@gig.eu
Bogusław Michalik
bmichalik@gig.eu
Izabela Chmielewska
ichmielewska@gig.eu
Place Gwarków 1, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
Phone: +48-32-259-2380