On 9-10 June, the 2nd Science for Society Congress was held at the Warsaw University of Technology under the motto ‘This is how science in Poland affects everyone's life’. During the Congress, representatives of the National Centre for Nuclear Research presented, among other things, one of the Institute's latest innovations - the AQURE FLASH (RT) accelerator with ultra-high dose power.

The AQURE FLASH (RT) accelerator, constructed and commissioned at the NCBJ's Department of Nuclear Equipment HITEC with the participation of the NCBJ's Department of Nuclear Techniques and Equipment, has been handed over to the Wielkopolska Oncology Centre, which is the NCBJ's consortium member in this project. It is the first device of its kind in Poland and one of the few in the world to enable the generation of an electron beam with the possibility of flexible modelling of the radiation dose pulse. Such capabilities of the device are essential for research on the Flash effect. This effect, by definition, means protection of healthy cells, while retaining full efficacy in eliminating cancer cells. It can only be studied when a radiation beam of very high dose power is obtained in a very short time. Compared to conventional or intra-operative therapy, the therapeutic dose of radiation is administered in the order of milliseconds, where in the standard method the same dose is administered in a few minutes.

At the stand of the National Centre for Nuclear Research, visitors could also learn about other areas of activity of the institute's scientists. Employees of the Department of Nuclear Energy and Environmental Studies presented 3D printed models of elements of the HTGR-POLA high-temperature reactor, the design of which is being developed at NCBJ. Specialists from the Electronics and Detection Systems Division presented detection techniques they had developed, as well as technologies to increase the efficiency of raw material use in terms of material and energy in industrial processes as part of the REVaMP project. There were also scientists from the NOMATEN Centre of Excellence talked about achievements in materials research.