Only a very small proportion of ions and biomolecules in organisms are radioactive. However, many of their atoms can be converted into artificial radioactive sources (isotopes), whose radioactive emission can be utilised to address many scientific questions. The isotopes decay into other, mostly non-radioactive atoms. This decay can take seconds, days, years or millennia. Because of the radiation released, special protective measures are therefore required to safeguard people and the environment. This may also be necessary when handling X-rays and sources of background radiation.

At the University of Oldenburg, there are essentially four areas in which staff and students may come into contact with ionising radiation:

1. Work in the isotope laboratory (handling of open, radioactive materials)
2. Handling X-ray and stray radiation sources at the University of Oldenburg
3. Handling of sealed sources at the University of Oldenburg
4. Radiation protection for staff and students in human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, healthcare research and psychology who work in clinics, teaching hospitals and doctors’ practices (“employment at external facilities”)

The following persons are the points of contact for activities in the isotope laboratory (1.) and the handling of X-ray, stray and enclosed radiation sources (2., 3.) at the University of Oldenburg:

PD Dr Anna-Maria Hartmann (Radiation Protection Officer)

+49-(0)441-798-2937

and

Inga Kayser (Radiation Protection Officer)

+49-(0)441-798-3424

Responsible for radiation protection for staff and students in human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, healthcare research and psychology who work in clinics, teaching hospitals and doctors’ practices (“employment at third-party facilities”) (4.)

uol.de/medizin/strahlenschutz

Dr Johann Meyer (Radiation Protection Officer)

+49-(0)441-798-2597