Scientific Highlights
Un élément «magique» remet en question le modèle de la synthèse nucléaire dans les étoiles
Des mesures surprenantes mènent sur la piste d’un processus inconnu.
Précision unique: nouvelle valeur pour la demi-vie du samarium-146
Des scientifiques du PSI et de l’Université nationale australienne ont déterminé la demi-vie du samarium 146 avec une très grande précision.
Terbium-161: new radionuclide therapy hits the clinic
Highly targeted cancer treatment has the potential to eliminate ultra-small cancer lesions that cause disease recurrence.
LRC and BluAct explore innovative filter material
Fission products from the PSI-SINQ gas-jet facility, as operated by LRC, were used to reveal the separation of relevant radionuclides from radioactively contaminated water. The tests were conducted using a novel innovative filter material made of a blend of milk whey and active charcoal on cellulose. This material has been developed by the ETHZ spin-off BluAct Technologies GmbH.
The importance of this project was recently highlithed in ETSON/news
Weissbuch Radiochemie Schweiz
In December 2020, the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) published its white book on radiochemical education in Switzerland. The report was authored under the lead of Prof. Dr. Roger Alberto (University of Zurich), Dr. Mario Burgener (Spiez Laboratory), and Prof. em. Dr. Heinz W. Gäggeler (University of Bern/Paul Scherrer Institute) and comprises contributions from many experts on the topic from various institutions throughout Switzerland. The white book highlights the imminent loss of experts in the field of radiochemistry and provides solutions to counteract this development.
Radiochemistry at ETH Zurich
As of December 10, 2020, the ETH Zurich appointed PSI’s Prof. Dr. Patrick Steinegger as assistant professor of radiochemistry (tenure track). Thus, the ETH domain took first counter measures against the imminent loss of radiochemical expertise in Switzerland, emphasized in the “Weissbuch Radiochemie Schweiz” by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). Furthermore, the December issue of CHIMIA (Swiss Chemical Society) invited to present the diverse radiochemical activities throughout the country.
News
PRISMAP Radiolanthanides Workshop: Advancing Cancer Therapy
The PRISMAP Radiolanthanides Workshop took place at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland from September 3 to 5, 2024. This influential three-day event gathered leading experts to review the latest advancements in radiolanthanides—radioactive elements at the forefront of cancer therapy. The workshop showcased cutting-edge developments in radiolanthanide production and explored their applications in both preclinical and clinical settings. A key highlight was an insightful panel discussion on the "Clinical Translation of Terbium-161 and Lessons Learned," which provided valuable takeaways for the future of cancer treatment. The event received extensive media coverage and was recently featured by the Swiss Society of Radiopharmacy and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry (SGRRC)
SCS Fall Meeting 2024 and Paul
On September 5, 2024, the Fall Meeting 2024 of the Swiss Chemical Society took place. The annual event attracts young (and old) chemists from all over Switzerland and gathers them at one of the country’s major universities. This year’s edition was held at the University of Fribourg. While most PhD students of LRC participated with poster presentations, Jennifer Wilson and Michael Hofstetter managed to secure themselves one of the rare spots for an oral presentation. Among many outstanding contributions, Paul Dutheil won the Best Poster Award - congratulations from the whole LRC to our honorary member, Paul! Well done :)
NRC 10 and Mike
During the week of August 25-30, 2024, members of the Laboratory of Radiochemistry attended the International Conference on Nuclear and Radiochemistry NRC10 in Brighton, United Kingdom. The conference covered a wide range of topics in the field and, although generally having a European focus, attracted international experts from around the world. Members of LRC gave strong poster presentations and great talks. Finally, Michael Hofstetter won the prize for the best oral presentation with his talk entitled “Unravelling ultra-trace lanthanide impurities in nuclear forensics evidence” – congratulations from all of us, Mike! Well deserved :)
Welcome to Our New Team Members!
We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Haohan Zhang and Elizaveta Artiushova as they join our research team.
Vladislav Zobnin Honored with Best Presentation Award at NUCLEAR 2024 Conference
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Vladislav Zobnin for receiving the prestigious Best Presentation Award at the NUCLEAR 2024 conference.
Of Accelerators and Radioactivity
On March 26, 2024, Patrick Steinegger leads visitors of the ETH Zürich Public Tours 2024 through the proton accelerator facility of PSI.