“Eureka!” you might exclaim like Archimedes. Here at the Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety you are standing before a hub of Greek scientific innovation. This is part of the National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos”.
The National Centre of Scientific Research “Demokritos” is the largest multidisciplinary research center in Greece. It employs over 1,000 researchers, engineers, and administrative staff. It was established in July 1961. Originally, it was named the Research Centre for Nuclear Research “Demokritos”. The center was named in honor of the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus.
“Demokritos” focuses on various fields of science and engineering. It hosts advanced laboratory facilities. It covers approximately 150 acres near Athens. The buildings themselves cover about 8.6 acres.
The center is a self-administered governmental entity. It is supervised by the General Secretariat of Research and Innovation. The center’s original goal was to advance nuclear research for peaceful purposes. Today, its activities span multiple scientific and engineering domains.
The research at “Demokritos” is conducted across six independent institutes. These include the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications. There is also the Institute of Biosciences and Applications. The Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics is part of it. The Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology plays a vital role. Finally, there is our Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety. Also the new Institute of Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology has recently been founded.
Within the Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety is the Environmental Research Laboratory. This laboratory focuses on environmental research. The DETRACT atmospheric dispersion modeling system was developed here. This system models air pollution dispersion over complex terrain.
“Demokritos” actively participates in European research programs and technology platforms. The center’s know-how and research infrastructure promote innovative technologies. They also support technology transfer and human resources development. The center generates patents and publications in top journals.
The SOLCEMENT Project involves collaboration between different laboratories within “Demokritos”. These include the Laboratory of Materials and Membranes for Environmental Separations. They also include the Laboratory of Environmental Research. These groups study nanoporous materials and membranes. They focus on gas separation processes.
So, as you leave the Institute of Nuclear & Radiological Sciences and Technology, Energy & Safety, remember that you have witnessed a place where Greek minds are helping to shape the future.