ALMERA Training Workshops

ALMERA workshops and training courses aim at giving the opportunity to scientists from the ALMERA analytical laboratories to refresh and update their knowledge and skills in areas of interest to members of the ALMERA network. They consist of lectures and practical exercises.

Past workshops and training courses:

ALMERA Workshop on Environmental Sampling Techniques

Hosted by Labor Spiez, Switzerland 3 - 7 June 2024.

26 participants from 25 countries attended the training workshop in Schwarzenburg, Switzerland. A news story with further details is available here.

ALMERA Workshop on Advanced Topics in Radiochemistry Techniques: Lead-210 and Polonium-210

Hosted virtually by IAEA, 9 - 12 October 2023.

Over 260 scientists from 60 countries registered for the virtual training workshop. Presentations can be found on the TEAMS Channel. 

ALMERA Workshop on Quality Assurance/Quality Control for Environmental Radioanalytical Laboratories

Hosted virtually by IAEA, 27 June - 1 July 2022.

Over 220 scientists from 60 countries registered for the virtual training workshop. Presentations can be found on the TEAMS Channel. 

ALMERA Workshop on Advanced Topics in Gamma-Ray Spectrometry 

Hosted virtually by IAEA, 7 - 11 June 2021.

Over 250 scientists from 70 countries registered for the virtual training workshop. Presentations can be found on the TEAMS Channel. 

ALMERA Workshop on In-situ measurement techniques for the characterization of contaminated sites 

Hosted by Spiez Switzerland 2019-10-21 to 2019-10-25.

16 participants from 15 member states. 

ALMERA Training Workshop on Determination of Characteristic Limits in Nuclear Analytical Techniques

Hosted by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), London, United Kingdom, 29-31 October 2018

More information available under: https://www.iaea.org/events/almera-training-workshop-on-the-determination-of-characteristic-limits-used-in-nuclear-analytical-techniques

ALMERA Workshop on the Measurement of Natural Radionuclides in Environmental Samples and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM)

Hosted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany, 3-7 July 2017

The workshop developed the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for the measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides in environmental and NORM samples using gamma-ray spectrometry. The workshop focused on the practical implementation of this technique in radioanalytical laboratories and the robust measurement of radionuclides which are required for real-life assessments. It consisted of lectures and laboratory work on sampling and analysis, practical sessions addressing the interpretation of complex gamma-ray spectra from environmental and NORM samples, practical sessions addressing in-situ measurements of naturally occurring radionuclides, and case studies focusing on the environmental and radiological impact of NORM.

Training Workshop on the Determination of Organically Bound Tritium in Food Samples Using Liquid Scintillation Counting

Hosted by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Ottawa, Canada, 26-30 September 2016

The course addressed the needs of ALMERA laboratories interested in enhancing their environmental radioactivity monitoring programme. It enabled the participants to learn about a state-of-the-art method for the determination of organically bound tritium in food samples which they are able to apply in their laboratories as part of their environmental radioactivity monitoring programme. Over the one-week period the participants performed within a radiochemical laboratory the determination of organically bound tritium in food samples using liquid scintillation counting, and were trained on the calculation and uncertainty estimation of the measured activities.

Training Course on In-Situ Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

Spiez Laboratory, Spiez, Switzerland, 2 - 6 November 2015

The course was organized to support the interest expressed by many ALMERA laboratories to develop their rapid assessment capabilities in support to decision-making processes in case of a nuclear emergency situation. Its purpose was to provide to participants theoretical and hands-on practical training in the area of in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry, which is one of the most frequently used tools to determine the type and level of environmental contamination in the case of a nuclear emergency situation. Over the one-week period the participants learned about the theory of in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry, hardware and software requirements, and performed measurements in field conditions. The field exercise took place under strict dosimetry and safety control.

Training Course on Rapid Assessment Methods for Environmental Radioactivity

Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, United States of America, 4-15 May 2015

The course addressed the needs of ALMERA network laboratories interested in enhancing their rapid analytical capabilities supporting the assessment of environmental contamination in emergency situations. It enabled the participants to learn about state-of-the-art methods, which they will apply in their laboratories in situations where a rapid assessment of radionuclides in the environment is required.

Participants were provided with intensive training on:

• A rapid radiochemical laboratory procedure validated by ALMERA laboratories and published by the IAEA;
• Field detection and sampling in case of environmental contamination;
• Quality aspects of sampling and analytical work;
• Data evaluation and management;
• Specific applications of the RESRAD dose assessment codes.

More information on the training course is given on the IAEA Meetings website:  http://www-pub.iaea.org/iaeameetings/49985/ALMERA-Analytical-Laboratories-for-the-Measurement-of-Environmental-Radioactivity-Training-Course-on-Rapid-Assessment-Methods-for-Environmental-Radioactivity

Practical Training Course on Rapid Determination of Radiostrontium in Milk Using Cerenkov and Scintillation Counting

Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, 3-7 November 2014

The ALMERA practical training course on rapid determination of radiostrontium in milk using Cerenkov and scintillation counting took place at the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, from 3 to 7 November 2014.

The course addressed the needs of the ALMERA network laboratories interested in enhancing their rapid analytical capabilities supporting the assessment of environmental and food contamination in emergency situations. The course provided participants with intensive training on a rapid radiochemical laboratory procedure validated by ALMERA laboratories and published by the IAEA for the determination of radiostrontium in milk.

More information on the training course is given in the following story published on the IAEA website at the time of the training course: http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/checking-radionuclides-dairy-food-products

Training Course on Rapid Assessment Methods for Environmental Radioactivity

Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, United States of America, 10-21 March 2014

The course addressed the needs of ALMERA network laboratories interested in enhancing their rapid analytical capabilities supporting the assessment of environmental contamination in emergency situations. It enabled the participants to learn about state-of-the-art methods, which they will apply in their laboratories in situations where a rapid assessment of radionuclides in the environment is required.

Participants were provided with intensive training on:

• • A rapid radiochemical laboratory procedure validated by ALMERA laboratories and published by the IAEA;
  • Field detection and sampling in case of environmental contamination;
  • Quality aspects of sampling and analytical work;
  • Data evaluation and management;
  • Specific applications of the RESRAD dose assessment codes.

More information on the training course is given in the following story published on the IAEA website at the time of the training course:

http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2014/almera.html

Workshop on Measurement Results Uncertainty Estimation and Method Validation

Antalya, Turkey, 12-16 November 2012

The ALMERA workshop on ‘Measurement results uncertainty estimation and method validation’ took place in Ankara, Turkey, from 12 to 16 November 2012, hosted by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK). The workshop was attended by 29 participants from 20 countries, representing 24 different institutions.

The workshop was structured with theoretical and practical lectures, group exercises and open discussion sessions. The following sessions were organised:

• Session 1: Basics on measurement results uncertainty (MRU) estimation
• Session 2: Theoretical approaches to MRU estimation
• Session 3: Applications of MRU estimation to nuclear analytical techniques (Part 1)
• Session 4: Applications of MRU estimation to nuclear analytical techniques (Part 2)
• Session 5: Method validation and use of reference materials

The ALMERA participants showed a deep interest in the topics covered during the training course and appreciated the group exercises on the process of evaluation of radioanalytical results.

Training course on ‘Alpha spectrometry and radioanalytical techniques

Pretoria, South Africa, 15-19 October 2012: Summary information will be available soon.

The training course on alpha spectrometry and radiochemical techniques took place at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd (NECSA) in Pretoria, South Africa, from 8 to 12 October 2012, with the support of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme related to the African region. This hands-on training course was attended by 12 participants from 10 Member States. Participation to this training course was limited to maximum 12 participants due to the strong laboratory practice component of the training course.

The training course consisted of some theoretical lectures on alpha spectrometry and on radiochemical techniques, and of an extensive hands-on component.

The following topics were tackled:

• Theory: Alpha spectrometry
• Theory: Radiochemical techniques
• Hands-on: Preparation of tracer solutions, control sample, samples and columns
• Hands-on: Radiochemical separation of uranium: Sample preparation and pre-concentration techniques
• Hands-on: Radiochemical separation of uranium: Column separation
• Hands-on: Radiochemical separation of uranium: Source preparation
• Hands-on: Instrumentation alpha spectrometry
• Theory: Spectra interpretation and activity calculations

The participants showed a deep interest in the topics covered during the training course and appreciated the strong hands-on component of the training course. They pointed out the need for additional practical/hands-on training courses to be organised in the future.

Workshop on ‘Measurement of natural radionuclides in environmental samples, NORMs and TENORMs by gamma spectrometry: experimental challenges and methodologies
Monaco, 5-9 December 2011

Summary: The ALMERA workshop on the experimental challenges and methodologies of the measurements of natural radionuclides in environmental samples, NORMs and TENORMs by gamma spectrometry took place at the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco from 5 to 9 December 2011. It was attended by 35 participants from 27 countries, representing 31 different institutions

The workshop was structured as a training course with theoretical and practical lectures and open discussion sessions.The following subjects were discussed:

• Self-attenuation illustrated for natural radionuclides;
• Secular equilibrium and reference nuclides in the three natural decay series;
• True coincidence summing illustrated for natural radionuclides;
• NORMs;
• TENORMs;
• Spectral interferences for natural radionuclides;
• Detection limit and decision threshold.
• Radiological protection;

The ALMERA participants showed a deep interest in the topics covered during the training course. They had the possibility of exchanging opinions about the different approaches and methodologies, and delving into scientific issues through lectures and open discussions.

Training course on coincidence summing and geometry correction in gamma spectrometry
Vienna, Austria, 19-23 July 2010

Summary: The ALMERA training course on coincidence summing and geometry correction in gamma spectrometry took place at the IAEA Terrestrial Environment Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, from 19 to 23 July 2010. It was attended by 32 participants from 20 countries, representing 24 different institutions

The workshop was structured as a training course with theoretical and practical lectures and open discussion sessions.The main aims of the technical visit were:

• to discuss critical matters in gamma spectrometry, like coincidence summing and geometry correction;
• to underline the advantages and disadvantages of each correction method;
• to stimulate discussions among participants in order to exchange information and opinions in this field.

The ALMERA participants showed a deep interest in the topics covered during the training course. They had the possibility of exchanging opinions about the different approaches and methodologies, and delving into scientific issues through lectures and open discussions. (download lectures (zip))

Training course on In-situ X-ray fluorescence and gamma ray spectrometry
Trieste, Italy, 26-30 October 2009

Summary: The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy, together with the IAEA organized a training course on in-situ X-ray Fluorescence and Gamma Ray Spectrometry from 26 to 30 October 2009. It was attended by 44 participants. The training course presented the recent advances in this area as well as the benefits or applying these techniques. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and gamma ray spectrometry techniques have successfully been applied in the field and in industrial environments for in-situ analysis which cover the analysis of artefacts and materials that have not been moved from their original place of deposition/storage, soil screening for metals, indoor and outdoor air pollution monitoring, screening of contaminated areas in emergency situations, mapping of large seabed area to estimate the levels and distribution of natural and/or anthropogenic radionuclides, radioactive mapping of terrestrial environment, monitoring of airborne materials and building materials, investigation of the radiation field in the vicinity of sunken objects, decontamination assessment etc.
Link to presentations

Seminar on Uptake of radionuclides into staple crops in the Asian region
Daejon, Korea, 16-17 April 2009

Summary: A seminar was organised to enhance capabilities of Member States located in the Asia-Pacific region to predict radionuclide transfer in the environment and, thereby, to assess exposure levels of the public and biota in order to ensure an appropriate level of protection from the effects of ionizing radiation, associated with radionuclide releases and from existing radionuclides in the environment. The seminar continued the IAEA activities on radioecological assessment and modelling that were aimed at refining information to be applied for assessing radionuclide transfer in the environment. The seminar has provided a good summary of the current radioecological research in the region and

identified existing gaps in radioecological research in the Asia-Pacific region. Based on this analysis some recommendations on further studies to be carried out in the region to increase robustness in environmental assessments in the Asia-Pacific region were proposed. The seminar recommended that more attention is be paid to retain experience in environmental assessment practice including creation of the network of the centres of excellence, organisation of training for young researchers in sampling, radioactivity analysis, data evaluation, transfer parameters evaluation, radioecological models and tools applications.

Workshop on Understanding and evaluating radioanalytical measurement uncertainty
Trieste, Italy, 8-16 November 2007

Summary: The Workshop on ‘Understanding and Evaluating Radioanalytical Measurement Uncertainty’ took place in Trieste, Italy, at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), from 8^th to 16^th November 2007, and was attended by 61 participants from 34 different countries. The Workshop on ‘Understanding and Evaluating Radioanalytical Measurement Uncertainty’ represented a possibility for scientists from ALMERA analytical laboratories to work on practical exercises, and to refresh and up-date their knowledge and skills in uncertainty calculations. The workshop involved the participants in group exercises through the process of evaluation of radioanalytical results including the assessment of uncertainty budget, supported by a combination of lectures, interactive exercises on selected study cases, and practical demonstrations in the ICTP laboratories.
Link to the presentations