Laboratory of radiation ecology Center conducts research of the radioecological situation in the areas contaminated with radionuclides, which are conducted in cooperation with scientists from the UK, Ireland, Slovenia, Norway and France in the framework of International projects of the NATO science programme (Semirad, Semirad-2, RESCA), ISTC K-1474. In the framework of International projects "Semerad and Semerad-2" the territory of the Semipalatinsk test site with a total area of about 1400 km2 was studied. Radionuclides (137Cs, 90Sr and 239+240Pu) in soil, water, plants and food products were determined . Maps of surface contamination in this area by technogenic radionuclides were prepared using GIS.
For brilliant example of international cooperation of the radioecological situation research of the territory of the former Semipalatinsk test site Professor Mukhambetkaly Burkitbayev and his colleague from the UK Professor Nick Priest in 2007 were awarded the prestigious scientific Award of the NATO Program "Science for peace". The official ceremony took place in the headquarters of NATO, in Brussels (Belgium) (http://www.nato.int/docu/update/2007/03-march/e0322b.html).
The laboratory staff has developed the methodology of radiation surveys of large areas, which has been successfully used to study various parts of the former Semipalatinsk test site and the areas of mining and processing of uranium. The radiation risks were estimated for the environment and for people living in the surveyed areas.
The projects carried out in the laboratory (2014)
1. Assessment of radionuclide pollution in the areas of uranium mining leaching (2012-2014). Grant funding RK priority "Energy". Supervisor: M. Burkitbayev, M.
2. the Practical application of isotope ratios of natural radionuclides in uranium hydrometallurgy and radioecology, Technology Commercialization Project of the world Bank and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Director: Uralbekov B. M.