Welcome to IRD

The Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (IRD) is an Institute of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, under the authority of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

IRD is dedicated to continuously improving and promoting the safe use of ionizing radiation, avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure of the public, workers and patients without hampering the benefits from the applications of nuclear technology.

IRD is the Brazil´s center of expertise in radiation protection, dosimetry and metrology of ionizing radiation, and its activities cover all the areas in which man and the environment can be exposed to radiation: power generation, medicine, industry and research. Its areas of specialization include human and environmental radiation protection and nuclear and radiological emergency response, for both during and post accident situations.

IRD: REFERENCE IN LATIN AMERICA

As a consequence of many years of experience in the fields of education and research, the IRD offers a unique postgraduate program in Radiation Protection and Dosimetry- masters and doctorate degrees - in the fields of Radiation Biophysics, Medical Physics, Metrology of Radiation and Radioecology. A specialization course on Radiation Protection and Security of Radioactive Sources is also offered in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IRD also offers annually many short courses in the Institute´s areas of expertise.

Included in the areas of work of medical physics are quality improvement in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and radiodiagnosis. Here the research performed contributes to improve the treatment and diagnosis, concerning principally dose reduction and the consequent increase of protection for the patients and workers.

The IRD is home to the laboratory designated by INMETRO as the Brazilian reference in the field, the National Metrology Laboratory of Ionizing Radiation (LNMRI). It is the only primary standardization laboratory in the southern hemisphere for neutron fluence. Its laboratories are the only ones in Brazil able to calibrate certain specialized equipment, ensuring safe treatment and work places for hundreds of thousands of Brazilians.

The main objectives of the IRD are:

* To carry out scientific research and to develop technology in the areas of radiation protection, dosimetry and metrology of ionizing radiation;
* To share best practices, knowledge and information concerning radiation protection;
* To assure the traceability of radiation measurements to the National and International Metrology Networks;
* To maintain a trained and integrated team to respond to nuclear and radiological emergency situations in Brazil;
* To give technical support to Brazilian government agencies and private industries, companies and hospitals and to carry out independent verification activities;
* To offer services that are preferentially not provided by private companies: dose assessment, equipment calibration, radioactive sources, analysis of environmental samples and external and internal individual monitoring.

* The IRD co-operates nationally and internationally, by participating in boards and working groups of international organizations, such as UNSCEAR, IAEA, WHO, CTBTO and ICRP.

* The IRD is an important training and education center in radiation protection, dosimetry and metrology of ionizing radiation.