On July 29, Dr. Olena Bourdeau, a researcher from the Institute of Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, came to Japan from Ukraine. She will receive training at the Institute of Environment and Radioactivity Research (IER) of Fukushima University and other institutions for about 4 months until early December in order to learn the technology of environmental impact assessment in Chornobyl after a nuclear disaster.
Dr. Olena Bourdeau arrives at Haneda Airport
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 ponds (ponds supplying cooling water 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 The training will also be conducted as part of this project. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has deteriorated the research environment in Ukraine, and we have decided to accept technical training in Japan. We will also provide research equipment to Ukrainian research institutions that have been severely damaged.
Dr. Bourdeau’s research focuses on the effects of radiation on wildlife, especially rodents such as rats. He plans to receive training in the use of the latest equipment and methods of chromosome analysis at Fukushima University and other universities in Japan, with the aim of acquiring techniques for sustainable assessment of radiation effects on wild animals in Ukraine. They will also learn about decontamination and reconstruction efforts and the current state of radioactive contamination at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and other affected areas in the prefecture.
I am very happy to have this training opportunity. Although I am anxious about being in a new place for the first time, many people have worked hard to prepare me for the training. I am looking forward to learning and studying new techniques, and to discover the effects of radiation on the chromosomal level in animals living in Chornobyli. And I hope that this best experience as a scientist will help me to contribute to my home country, Ukraine.” Dr. Bourdeau, who had just arrived at Haneda Airport, smiled and told the interviewer about his enthusiasm for the training.
Dr. Bourdeau smiling and ready for an interview.
Dr. Bourdeau stands at the Cooling Pond in Chornobyli during a borehole survey. The Cooling Pond has largely dried up after the pumps that pump water from the nearby river were shut down.
© Source JICA
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