Chairholders
Profile
Edward Waller
Faculty of Energy Systems & Nuclear Science
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Chair title
NSERC-UNENE IRC in Health Physics and Environmental Safety
Chair program
Industrial Research Chairs program
Role
Senior Chairholder since 2008
Related Chair
Summary
Nuclear power has been a reliable form of electricity generation in Canada for almost 50 years. Radiological protection of nuclear energy workers, the public and non-human biota in the environment is an ethical, social and regulatory essential for the continued production of electricity using nuclear power. Traditional approaches to protection from ionizing radiation were largely based on providing human protection. In recent years awareness of the vulnerability of the environment has increased, necessitating a review of current radiation protection and security measures. The environment, humans and non-human biota can be harmed by ionizing radiation through contamination and/or exposure. Although developed nations have regulations designed to prevent undue stress on the environment from nuclear technology, possible exposure threats can occur through accidents, materials falling out of regulatory control or intentional malicious acts. Health physics addresses the safe use of radiation and the protection of humans, non-human biota and the environment from the harmful effects of exposure.
During the Chair’s prior two terms (2008-2018), Dr. Waller trained over twenty graduate students and over fifty undergraduate students, through Chair projects. Post-training, all students either elected to pursue advanced degrees or entered the nuclear industry. Dr. Waller served five years as a Canadian representative to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and has ongoing collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He has active collaborations with industry partners and international collaborators. Currently, Dr. Waller has the only facility in Canada performing retrospective radiation dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The overall objectives of the NSERC-UNENE Industrial Research Chair in Health Physics and Environmental Safety are to train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers in health physics through a unique and industry relevant educational experience, and to improve radiation protection science through innovative research. The aim of this research is to improve environmental protection from radioactive material by measuring, monitoring and modeling the impact of radiological materials on human, non-human biota and the environment. The Chair’s research program will help improve Canadian and international safety standards on the protection of the environment from the effects of ionizing radiation. Canada is a leader in nuclear research and technology, exporting reactor systems and well as a high proportion of the world’s supply of medical radioisotopes. With plans to expand its nuclear capacity over the next decade, the Chair’s research program will ensure and improve the safety of the environment and nuclear industry in Canada and around the globe.
Partners
- University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE)
- Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG)
- Bruce Power (BP)
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
- CANDU Owners Group (COG)
Contact information
Faculty of Energy Systems & Nuclear Science
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: ed.waller@uoit.ca
Website:
http://www.nuclear.uoit.ca
