It has been 36 years since the 1986 Chornobyl NPP accident. The Ukrainian government is planning to reorganize the off-limits zone. In the off-limits zone, environmental and ecological changes are expected due to the drop in the water level of the cooling pond (the place where cooling water is supplied to the nuclear power plant). Continuous monitoring of radioactive materials is required for the reorganization.
Since 2008, JICA, in collaboration with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), has been implementing the “International Science and Technology Cooperation for Addressing Global Issues (SATREPS)” program to promote joint science and technology research with developing countries. Within the framework of this program, from April 2017 to March 2023, an international joint research project by Fukushima University and administrative and research institutions on the Ukrainian side is supporting the sustainable monitoring technology of radioactive materials for the restructuring and utilization of the off-limits zone in Chornobyli, and Dr. Burdo’s Dr. Bourdeau’s training will be conducted as part of this project.
Dr. Bourdeau studies the effects of radiation on wildlife, especially rodents such as rats.
‘I am very happy to have this training opportunity. I am looking forward to learning and studying new techniques, and to discover the effects of radiation at the chromosome level on the animals living in Chornobyli. And I hope that this best experience as a scientist will help me to contribute to my home country, Ukraine.
© Source JICA