Reinforcing Europe’s radiological barrier
Some argue that the best defence is to be prepared for any potential threats. Researching and preparing Europe's defence against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats is more crucial than ever. The EU-funded EU-RADION project has gone the extra mile to make this a reality. A general CBRNE protection strategy exists with the ENCIRCLE Catalogue, but EU-RADION focused on developing an advanced radiological threat detection and identification system.
Resilience is the message
According to its coordinators, EU-RADION enhances the region’s resilience against CBRNE threats by delivering tools specifically designed to meet the needs of end-users, primarily first responders and emergency management agencies. This includes a wide range of capabilities from advanced sensor platforms to sensor units capable of being used in stationary setups, mounted on unmanned vehicles or worn by personnel. It also includes providing real-time data and predictive models through integrated situational awareness tools. With the project successfully completed in February 2024, there were key accomplishments to highlight. "The EU-RADION project successfully achieved its primary objectives, leading to significant advancements in radiological threat detection and identification capabilities within the EU," project coordinator Łukasz Szklarski notes. Among these achievements were the creation of handheld, stationary and unmanned sensor platforms equipped with the Sensor Integration Unit (SIU) for real-time detection and monitoring of radiological threats, as well as successful operational testing of the system in realistic scenarios, demonstrating its effectiveness and robustness in various environmental conditions. Also, the creation of an advanced data fusion model – which significantly enhances the capability to identify radionuclides – is a critical component in improving radiological hazard detection and response.
A sensor’s data riddle
Looking at the achievements of the project, it’s easy to think that everything went according to plan and without hurdles. But the reality is that such a system of radiological defence faced several challenges, “particularly in the integration and development of advanced sensor systems and data processing tools," explains Szklarski. It also required effective collaboration and knowledge exchange between international partners, which involved regular meetings, workshops, and extensive documentation to align on technical specifications and development goals. Other complex issues were coordinating the use of the Runehamar Test Tunnel in Norway for the final demonstration, which required meticulous planning and collaboration among all project partners. "Following the completion of the EU-RADION project, our next steps are guided by the philosophy and directives of the European Commission," Szklarski notes. "We aim to continue advancing and refining the technology developed during the EU-RADION project." This includes refining and commercialising the developed sensor platforms and software tools to meet market demands and user needs, as well as ongoing collaboration with industry partners, stakeholders and end-users to enhance the system’s capabilities. And, finally, seeking additional funding to support the expansion of the project’s scope. Szklarski also mentions the CHIMERA project, which aims to elevate the technology to TRL 8, integrating the detection of biological and chemical signals into the real-time network developed by EU-RADION. As the project transitions to further technological development and commercialisation, its contributions to European resilience against CBRNE threats will continue to grow, with the overall goal of ensuring a safer and more secure future for all.
Keywords
EU-RADION, radiological threats, CBRNE threats, sensor platforms, data fusion model, radiological detection
