Join us in Darwin for a three-day, in-person course covering the fundamentals of alpha spectrometry and the radiochemistry methods used to isolate alpha-emitting radionuclides in environmental samples. The course is designed for both
new and experienced users, and combines lectures, troubleshooting guidance, and hands-on laboratory and instrument training.
Full access from 7 Mar 2026 (ACST) (100 days before start of event).
Key topics
- Radiation decay and interactions of alpha radiation with matter
- Detectors, electronics & measurement (including calibration and instrument maintenance)
- Practical instrument / radiochemistry method training
- Spectra, statistics & analysis (including calculating results)
- Radiochemistry methods used for alpha spec source preparation (pros and cons)
Who should attend
This course is aimed at new and experienced users who want training in:
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the basics of alpha spectrometry, and
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radiochemistry methods currently used for isolating environmental radioactivity of alpha-emitting radionuclides.
Regular hands-on users of alpha spectrometry systems, and radiochemists wishing to expand their knowledge of processes and pitfalls in radiochemical separations, will benefit most from this course.
Format
Trainers will be experienced radiochemists from the environmental and radiopharmaceutical radiochemistry industry.
The course runs over three days, with a mixture of:
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lectures covering alpha spectrometry fundamentals
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troubleshooting guidance
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hands-on radiochemistry supporting alpha spectrometry (sample preparation, separation chemistry, and source preparation)
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hands-on instrument training
Prerequisites
It is recommended attendees have some familiarity with alpha spectrometry measurement systems.
Hands-on radiochemistry training requires an understanding of analytical chemistry and laboratory safety. A degree in Chemistry or equivalent experience is highly recommended. It is desirable that attendees are working in a field of radiochemistry (e.g., radiopharmaceutical, environmental, etc.).
Benefits of attending
By the end of the course, attendees will understand the basis for low-level measurement of alpha-emitting radionuclides and the radiochemistry required to produce defensible measurements that meet laboratory requirements.
Attendees will also benefit from the opportunity to network and train with other users, experienced alpha spectrometrists, and radiochemists.
Location
15–17 June 2026 — Darwin
Venues: Office of the Supervising Scientist and Darwin Airport Resort (Novotel / Mercure / Ibis).
The course will be held at The Environmental Research Institute the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), Darwin NT. ERISS is a complex of offices and laboratories including a chemistry laboratory, a radioactivity laboratory, a geomorphology laboratory, an aquatic biology laboratory and a plant laboratory. The Environmental Radioactivity team within ERISS undertakes low-level radionuclide measurements on environmental samples including water, soil, sediment, plants and animals including those consumed by Aboriginal people as bush foods. The alpha spectrometry system used at ERISS is an ORTEC system utilising ORTEC MAESTRO software and an in-house custom program for spectral analysis.
Places
Limited to 20 participants.
Certificate
A Certificate of Attendance will be provided to participants.
What to bring
Water resistant, closed-in shoes covering the toe, with non-slip soles. Safety glasses will be mandatory in the radiochemistry laboratory so people should bring their own prescription safety glasses or over-glasses if needed.
