Based on his extensive experience of working on the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident, Professor Jim Smith will discuss risks of radioactivity and how the media influence risk perception. Myths surrounding health consequences of radiation have contributed to ongoing problems in recovery of affected populations. Professor Smith will talk about the work he is doing in Ukraine to address these issues and his ATOMIK Spirits project, creating high quality (and safe!) spirits from crops harvested near Chernobyl.
Jim Smith is Professor of Environmental Science at Portsmouth University and an expert in modelling radioactive pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. He has co-ordinated four multinational projects on the environmental consequences of the Chernobyl accident and has regularly worked in the Exclusion Zone. He is lead author of a major book on the accident: Chernobyl: Catastrophe and Consequences and authored key opinion pieces in Nature and Science on the Fukushima accident. He has been a member of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Expert Groups on Chernobyl and Fukushima and is currently a member of the UK Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE). Jim is currently working on the potential re-use of radioactively “contaminated” lands in Ukraine.
Accessibility and special requirements: We will endeavour to provide particular access requirements on request. If you have any access requirements, e.g. wheelchair access, hearing loops or specific neurodiverse requirements, please get in touch in advance of the event.
Any questions you may have, please contact dri@port.ac.uk
