Half a century of radioecological research and surveillance at STUK

Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, PO Box 14, 00881 Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

STUK was established in spring 1958 with the main policy to keep research and regulatory activities under the same roof. Radioecological research focused first on environmental surveillance and effects of nuclear weapon tests in the environment and agricultural foodstuffs. The earlier experiences on environmental behaviour of artificial radionuclides helped greatly the management of the fallout situation after the Chernobyl accident in 1986. As a consequence of the accident, amounts of ¹³⁷Cs in natural produce vary largely still in 2000s. Indoor radon, however, is the greatest source of radiation exposure in Finland. Future challenges of radioecology at the national level are prioritised taking into account the basic need for new information and contribution to radiation safety, emergency preparedness, food safety and security research. Radiation protection of living organisms demands improvement of dosimetric models for risk assessment. Involvement of the stakeholders' opinions in practical work as well as in decision making is important. Maintenance and enhancement of competence in radioecology in the Europe-wide context including close cooperation both with national and international universities and research institutes, as well as networking and compiling all resources and expertise within the areas may be a new challenge also for STUK.