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International Radiocarbon AMS Competence and Training Center established at ATOMKI

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The consortium of the ELKH Institute for Nuclear Research and Isotoptech Zrt., within the framework of the Széchenyi 2020 program, has founded INTERACT, the International Radiocarbon AMS Competence and Training Cente, with a total cost of HUF 1.817 billion – of which HUF 1.395 billion is a non-refundable European Union grant.

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The project will be implemented at the ELKH Institute for Nuclear Research (ATOMKI) in the city of Debrecen. The aim is to create an internationally competitive competence center capable of developing new types of efficient sample preparation equipment for radiocarbon measurement to market maturity, as well as conducting high-level training in measurement technology.

Research at ATOMKI based on radiocarbon measurements dates back nearly 50 years. A radiocarbon laboratory was established in Debrecen that remains a world -class institution that is internationally recognized to this day. Methods based on radiocarbon measurement are indispensable tools for complex environmental, geological, hydrological, atmospheric and climatological studies, drug development and medical research, and nuclear environmental protection.

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The scientific background and team of experts of ATOMKI, which leads the consortium – together with the device development and production experience of Isotoptech Zrt. – enables the development of a knowledge transfer center that can quickly adapt to the analytical needs of a rapidly expanding field across the world and serve the needs of both current research trends and the market.

During the development, sections of the building at ATOMKI will be renovated for the training center, and a stabilizer ratio mass spectrometer and an AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometer) will be procured. The project's research findings will be published by ATOMKI, and the resulting prototypes will be used for its research tasks. The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Further information:

https://atomki.hu/projects/view/44

Dr Róbert Janovics, Project Manager

+36 30 388 5359

janovics.robert@atomki.hu