Radio Nuclides Laboratory (RNL)
The Department of Radio Nuclides Laboratory (RNL) is a central investigation facility, incorporated in the total amount of laboratories of the UM. The RNL is designed to work safely with ionizing radiation where researchers from all departments and institutes licensed under the Nuclear Energy Law, can do their experiments.
Fast facts
- High quality multidisciplinary research
- Integrated approach to health care within an international context
- Continuously supervised by Radiation Protection Experts for advice and licenses
- Radioactive waste facility
Central Investigation Facility
The department consists of several laboratories and specialized equipment aimed at working with dispersible radioactive substances and sources. X-ray machines are available for irradiating cells or laboratory animals as part of scientific research or veterinary diagnostics.
Cooperation with Maastro and MUMC+
Cooperation with the different Randwyck institutes (UM, MUMC+ and MAASTRO) concerning tracer development and the extension of the RNL equipment with imaging techniques, like PET, CT and SPECT-PET challenges scientific researchers do to this kind of high-quality imaging investigations at Maastricht. In the near future, the animal facilities of RNL will become a part of the “BMC”, because laboratory animal research remains necessary to move from fundamental research to safe application in the clinic.
Education
The department RNL also plays an active role in education: practical assignments for the course ‘TMS-VRS level D’ that is geared towards educating employees and students to work safely with radioactive sources are organized here. Training and instructions are provided on demand for students and employees.
Collecting, handling and storing radioactive waste
Radioactive waste is produced within multiple locations on the terrain of ‘Randwyck’. Collection, storage and handover of radioactive substances is bound by legal requirements. To ensure a controlled environment and adequate management of waste, the Randwyck campus has been equipped with one central facility. The department of RNL manages this facility.
Radio Nuclides Laboratory Contact
Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, F0.161
0031 636144600
Info-RNL@maastrichtuniversity.nl