The Central Institute of Isotope Science was established in 1978 in accordance with the third clause of Article 20 of the National School Establishment Law (cabinet order No. 230 of 28 June 1984). As one of the institutes and centers for collaborative education and research of Hokkaido University, the Institute provides facilities for the purpose of educational training and research involving radioisotopes as well as guidelines to users. The mission of the Institute is to control and guide the safety management of radioisotope use in Hokkaido University and contribute to the development of education and research on radioisotope science.

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HISTORY

1978　February

Preparatory committee for the Central Institute of Isotope Science was established.

1978　April

The Central Institute of Isotope Science was established as one of the institutes and centers for collaborative education and research of Hokkaido University.

1979　May

A new Institute building (2,642 m²) was completed.

1979　November

The Institute was licensed to use radioisotopes.

1979　December

Inauguration ceremony was held.

1980　April

The Institute commenced operation.

1982　June

Extension of facilities for storage and disposal of radioactive organic liquid waste was approved.

1982　December

The extension of facilities for incineration of radioactive organic liquid waste was approved.

1987　September

Strengthening of radioisotope storage capacity and addition of new types of nuclides were approved.

1988　July

Update of incinerator for radioactive organic liquid waste was approved.

1989　March

A facility access control system was completed and commenced operation.

1991　January

National University Liaison Council of Radiation Facilities in Hokkaido district was inaugurated and Hokkaido University was appointed as an on-duty university.

1992　August

Changes in the type and quantity of radioisotopes and extension of exhaust equipment were approved.

1993　February

Hokkaido University Information Network System commenced operation.

1995　October

Changes in the type, quantity, and site of use of radioisotopes were approved.

1996　March

Hokkaido University radiation control computer network system was completed and commenced operation.

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PURPOSE

（1）Shared use

The Institute provides its laboratories and test chambers for shared use for 1) education and research involving high-level and various types of radioisotopes (RI) that cannot be used at small-sized RI facilities operated by individual schools and institutes and 2) clarification of diseases by radiation experiments. The Institute has the latest experimental equipment and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 60, and helps collaborative education and research.

（2）Radiation control

Radioisotopes should be strictly managed to prevent radiation hazard to the users themselves as well as to nonusers who may be affected by environmental pollution. The Institute works collaboratively with the RI facilities operated by individual schools and institutes to provide overall management of radioisotopes in the university and contribute to the protection of the health of the students, staff, and local residents.

（3）Education and training

Fundamental knowledge on radiation physics, radiation chemistry, radiation biology, and radiology, as well as handling techniques of the management and disposal of radioisotopes are required to use them. The Institute has lecture halls and training rooms used for the education and training of students of Hokkaido University. We are planning to upgrade training rooms, test chambers, equipment used for training, and radiation protection equipment with the aim of developing RI education in Hokkaido University. The Institute also provides original education and training programs.

（4）Research and development

Research using radioisotopes and the development of radioisotope safety management methods are conducted. In addition, research on the effect of radiation exposure on animals is carried out.

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Work contents of the Institute

（1）Promotion of research using radioisotopes

The range of research using radioisotopes has been expanding. The Institute provides guidance and advice to researchers who use radioisotopes, from the viewpoint of radioisotope specialists, as well as research facilities and equipment for shared use. The Institute is indispensable to researchers who belong to schools or institutes without radiation facilities or who require high-level and various types of radioisotopes and advanced radiation monitoring equipment. Targets include researchers who use radioisotopes in their interdisciplinary collaborative research and researchers affiliated with other universities in the Hokkaido district. The Institute helps the schools and institutes provide teaching practice based on their curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students who are potential users, contributing to the improvement of the quality of radioisotope education.

（2）Contribution to radiation management

The Institute controls not only the radiation within the Institute but also serves as a radiation management institute for the entire university. The Institute gives guidance and advice on the establishment, abolishment, and change of radiation facilities in Hokkaido University, lawful radioisotope handling, and the disposal of radiation waste. The Institute also plans and provides education and training programs so that radioisotope users in Hokkaido University can safely carry out experiments in accordance with the law. In addition, the Institute plays a central role in the National University Liaison Council of Radiation Facilities in the Hokkaido district and contributes to radiation safety management at universities in the Hokkaido district.

（3）Research and development on radioisotope handling

Erroneous handling and control of radioisotopes can cause radiation hazard to not only those who handle radioisotopes but also the general public through environmental pollution. Therefore, the handling of radioisotopes is strictly regulated by law. The Institute carries out research and development on the processing method of radiation waste and methods of controlling radioisotopes in a safe and labor-saving manner using computers. Analysis of the radioactivation of materials used as indices of environmental pollution and survey of environmental radioactive materials are also carried out for the conservation of the environment.