Medical and industrial dosimetry

Part of our Metrology Research Centre, the medical and industrial dosimetry team carries out research activities related to ionizing radiation in areas where accurate dosing is critical, such as in cancer treatment and personal radiation monitoring.

Our expertise

The medical and industrial dosimetry team specializes in these areas:

• Calibration services to Canadian and international clients for sectors such as radiation therapy and imaging in hospitals, personal and environmental radiation protection for industrial workers (e.g. nuclear power plants), and radiation processing such as food sterilization
• Research and development related to the measurement of ionizing radiation, which includes characterizing various detector types, developing international measurement protocols (e.g. for clinical medical physicists) and carrying out collaborative research projects with Canadian academic institutions, industry and calibration laboratories in other countries
• The team is responsible for maintaining, developing and disseminating the radiation transport simulation software, EGSnrc, recognized worldwide as the most accurate software available.

Our latest research

Measurement techniques are being developed for the promising new technique of FLASH radiotherapy. Here, the radiation is delivered to the patient in a single 5-microsecond pulse, rather than over several weeks as in current cancer treatments. This new delivery method requires new measurement systems and procedures.

Success stories

Learn more about our significant milestones and accomplishments in the field of medical and industrial dosimetry:

• NRC researchers target new technology to improve cancer radiation treatment
• Developing new standards for cancer treatments
• Weighing in on 60 combined years of ionizing radiation

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