About the programme
The doctoral study programme in Nuclear Chemistry is intended for graduates of Master’s programmes in chemistry. It deepens students’ knowledge especially in radiochemistry, which today spans a wide range of basic and applied research. This includes the study of the chemical and physicochemical aspects of nuclear transformations, as well as methods employing radionuclides to address chemical problems of a more general nature. Another part of the programme is radiation chemistry, which focuses on chemical reactions initiated or influenced by the absorption of ionizing radiation in both living and non-living material environments, and on their potential applications. Significant attention is devoted to methods of radionuclide separation, nuclear chemical technologies including the processing and storage of radioactive waste, the occurrence and behaviour of radioactive contaminants in the environment, and the use of nuclear methods in chemical environmental analysis. The fields of radiopharmaceutical chemistry and nuclear chemistry in biology and medicine are developing very dynamically, and in recent years, the promising area of chemical aspects of decommissioning nuclear facilities—especially nuclear power plants—has been attracting growing attention. Within the programme, it is also possible to defend “non-nuclear” dissertations, devoted to special topics related to nuclear chemistry, such as trace analysis, the behaviour of substances at very low concentrations, quantum-chemical problems, and others.
career prospects
Graduates of the Nuclear Chemistry doctoral study programme possess a solid foundation of knowledge in nuclear chemistry and typically also in at least one other branch of chemistry, most often physical, analytical, or organic chemistry, or biochemistry. The knowledge and professional skills acquired during their studies enable graduates to solve both theoretical and practical problems in these chemical disciplines, particularly through the use of nuclear chemical methods in basic and applied research. They are also capable of applying this expertise in practice, especially when independently completing specific tasks in industry, the energy sector, medicine, or environmental protection. A graduate’s high level of professional competence and adaptability qualifies them to take on leadership roles in research and professional teams, as well as in responsible technical-administrative positions.
The aim of the doctoral programme is to educate graduates with extensive knowledge in nuclear chemistry and a strong understanding of other chemical disciplines, capable of applying their knowledge and skills across various scientific fields, research, and professional practice. Graduates can pursue successful careers in research institutions or at universities with a focus on chemistry, biomedical and pharmaceutical institutions, and in all nuclear facilities—particularly those engaged in nuclear energy—where FNSPE, including the Department of Nuclear Chemistry, remains a primary source of highly specialized nuclear professionals.