Nuclear and radiochemistry

An understanding of changes involving the nucleus of an atom, and of the properties of radioactive substances, is important for a host of applications related to energy supply, medicine and the environment.

Nuclear research has a strong focus on the management, disposition and ultimate disposal of nuclear waste. Radiation chemistry concerns the effects of radiation on matter. Radiochemistry is the chemistry of radioactive materials. There is a strong focus on tackling challenges related to Energy and the Environment. Environmental radiochemistry uses computation and experiment to focus on the behaviour of radioactive materials in the environment.

Nuclear research is coordinated through the Dalton Nuclear Institute. Some researchers from the School are based at the state of the art Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF), situated on the Westlakes Science and Technology Park in West Cumbria. We have unique expertise in the chemistry of radioactive elements within the Centre for Radiochemistry Research (CRR), one of a limited number of academic facilities able to work with radioactive materials.

Our Analytical and Physical Methods research takes advantage of the University's modern facilities.