The world's first graduate school to study environmental radioactivity / Fukushima University Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology Major in Environmental Radioactivity

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Major in Environmental Radioactivity Providing practical research opportunities by utilizing fields in Fukushima

The Department of Environmental Radioactivity, Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University is the first graduate school in the world to study the dynamics of radioactive materials in the environment and their effects.

In a practical research environment that makes maximum use of the Fukushima fields, we provide a wide range of knowledge and specialized education, including practical training and field exercises, in environmental radioactivity to individuals with backgrounds in various academic fields, such as ecology, biology, earth science, mathematical phenomena, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Characteristics and Goals To develop human resources capable of understanding and elucidating the dynamics of radionuclides in the environment from multiple perspectives

There are many unanswered questions regarding the effects of anthropogenic radionuclides released into the atmosphere. Management of natural radionuclides in the development of natural resources such as rare metals is also an important issue.

In the Department of Environmental Radioactivity, students will acquire the ability to scientifically elucidate the dynamics of anthropogenic and natural radionuclides in the environment which are transferred among forests, rivers, and oceans through water and soil movement, and among plants and animals through food chains and other processes. To this end, the course comprehensively addresses measurement, monitoring planning, control, prediction, and evaluation from a medium- to long-term perspective.

Five characteristics of the Department of Environmental Radioactivity

  • Integrating and crossing diverse academic fields

    Guidance is provided by IER faculty members specializing in diverse research fields and concurrent faculty members in the Department of Symbiotic Systems Science and Engineering. Students acquire cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills by integrating and deepening their specialized knowledge.

  • Advanced practical training courses

    We offer practical educational programs that involve a wide range of field sampling and fieldwork in a well-developed research environment, from forests to rivers, lakes, and oceans.

  • International Faculty & Students

    Discussion-style classes are set up to develop expressive, interactive, and English language skills. Both professors and current students have a rich international flavor and can acquire a global perspective.

  • Practice of Science Communication -Returning Research Results to the Community

    IER will provide opportunities for reporting and discussing research results with local residents at the research activity roundtables held regularly by IER, with the aim of conducting live research.

  • Classroom development with cooperation from more than 30 partner institutions in Japan and abroad

    Research activities can be conducted by taking advantage of the network of joint research centers and the connections with domestic and overseas partner institutions based on agreements.

Master's Program

The Major in Environmental Radioactivity (Master's Program) consists of three fields: ecology, modeling and measurement, with each field offering educational and research opportunities (outlined below). We seek students who are interested in any of these fields, and find their chosen field to be a good fit for themselves.

Characteristics and Goals of the Field of Ecology

Based on research in ecology, biology, and radioecological field arising from them, this field develops professional knowledge, expertise, and skills; the ability to use practical knowledge and solve problems; and the attitude to understand phenomena from multifaceted perspectives.

Main Research Themes

  • Elucidation of transfer processes of radionuclides to aquatic organisms (freshwater fish, saltwater fish, etc.)
  • Study on the transfer process of radionuclides to terrestrial animals (mammals, etc.)
  • Research on the behavior of radionuclides in forest ecosystems
  • Research on the effects of low-dose exposure on animals and plants

Faculty

Doctor's Program

The Doctoral Course in Environmental Radioactivity conducts research and education to develop an advanced understanding of the dynamics and effects of radioactive materials in the environment and to cultivate an interdisciplinary and international mindset to deal with such issues, based on the basic and practical academic skills cultivated up to the Master's Course. Under the guidance of internationally active faculty members, students will acquire advanced research and problem-solving skills related to environmental radioactivity by disseminating research results to the world and giving back to society.

Features and Objectives of the Environmental Radioactivity

1. Practical education and research utilizing the IER' s observation environment

In this area, practical education and research will be conducted utilizing the university's well-developed observation environment, and through the acquisition of cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills, researchers and professionals will be trained to comprehensively tackle the measurement, monitoring planning, control, prediction, and evaluation of radioactivity (radiation) from a medium- to long-term perspective, and to have a comprehensive ability to solve multiple problems such as prediction evaluation, environmental restoration, radiation protection, decommissioning, interim storage, and cleanup.

2.Developing Science Communication Skills

In addition, students will practice science communication* in order to acquire the ability to play the role of "giving back knowledge" by communicating their expertise to the local community. In the doctoral course of this department, we aim to nurture researchers and professionals who will contribute to society from a global perspective by leading the discovery and solution of issues involving environmental radioactivity and its academic development.

Research Project Examples

  • Research on the behavior of radionuclides in forest ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems
  • Research on the behavior of radionuclides in the atmosphere, terrestrial waters, and oceans and on modeling
  • Research on the effects of low-dose exposure on plants and animals and on radiation protection
  • Research on internal doses due to the agricultural environment and food intake
  • Research on behavior analysis of radionuclides using morphological analysis
  • Research on separation of radionuclides using chelating separation technology
  • Comparative study of radionuclide behavior in Fukushima and Chernobyl
  • Fate of radiocontaminated suspended particles in the marine environment

Student Interviews

View All Student Interviews

Admissions

The entrance exam for the Major in Environmental Radioactivity Master's Program and Doctoral Program will be held as follows for General Exam, Working Person Special Exam, and International Students Special Exam.
When applying, contact an instructor of your choice in advance, who will be your thesis advisor, to discuss your aptitude for the research field.

If you are unsure about how or whom to contact, please notify the Admissions Office of the University for guidance (E-mail: nyushi@adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp).

Master's Program Admission in October 2024 and April 2025

Application Period
【 I° round 】
Friday, July 12, 2024 - Thursday, July 18, 2024, 5 p.m. in JST

【 II° round 】
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 - Friday, November 1, 2024, 5 p.m. in JST
Exam Date
【 I° round 】
Friday, August 23, 2024

【 II° round 】
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Announcement of Successful Applicants
【 I° round 】
Thursday, August 29, 2024

【 II° round 】
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Application Guide & Application Forms

For online application, go to https://home.postanet.jp/PortalPublic/Identity/Account/Login?gkcd=010014

The online application site is currently available only in Japanese. If you encounter any difficulties using the site in Japanese, our university is ready to assist you with the online application process.
Please contact to: ier@adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp

Exam Method
Oral presentation, Oral Exam

Doctoral Program Admission in October 2024 and April 2025

Application Period
【 I° round 】
Friday, July 12, 2024 - Thursday, July 18, 2024, 5 p.m. in JST

【 II° round 】
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 - Friday, November 1, 2024, 5 p.m. in JST
Exam Date
【 I° round 】
Friday, August 23, 2024

【 II° round 】
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Announcement of Successful Applicants
【 I° round 】
Thursday, August 29, 2024

【 II° round 】
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Application Guide & Application Forms

For online application, go to https://home.postanet.jp/PortalPublic/Identity/Account/Login?gkcd=010014

The online application site is currently available only in Japanese. If you encounter any difficulties using the site in Japanese, our university is ready to assist you with the online application process.
Please contact to: ier@adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp

Exam Method
Oral presentation, Oral Exam

General exam for doctoral program also has academic test (oral exam on English proficiency and technical vocabulary skills in your research field).

Inquiries about Admissions

Fukushima Univ. Admissions Office
TEL：+81-24-548-8064
E-mail：nyushi@adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp

For visits/questions to faculty

IER administrative office
TEL：+81-24-504-2114
E-mail：ier@adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp

International Student Scholarships

Fukushima Univ. International Center
TEL：+81-24-503-3067
E-mail：ryugaku@adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp
Web Site：http://kokusai.adb.fukushima-u.ac.jp/newstudents/scholarship.html