Medical Radiology and Radiation Safety. 2012. Vol. 57. No. 6. P. 74-77

REVIEW

A.K. Guskova

German Specialists in Soviet Atomic Project

Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of FMBA, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the analysis of publications on the work of German specialists in the USSR Atomic Project (1945-1956). The operations done by groups composed of different staff members are analysed. Staff members from East Germany previously involved in biophysics and dosimetry subjects were invited. The work was also elaborated by the USSR citizens who have worked in the USSR and Germany during the wartime and were sentenced to prison term thereafter. The laboratory personnel have also included voluntary hired specialists and persons with legally limited social rights (Volga river catchment residents with German origin). Main goals and tasks of work are described for four laboratories responsible for research in the areas of radioactive waste, environment releases of nuclear facilities and for studies on radiation protection of human and environment. Most active operations were done in Laboratory B (town of Sungul, Urals). Detailed information on personnel selection principles and managerial measures is provided for these comprehensively staffed teams. The work results of these teams are compared to those obtained by correspondent routinely organized laboratories and facilities in the USSR. This paper publication is related to present efforts under the program of bilateral activities between Germany and Russia.

Key words: Soviet atomic project, German specialists, collaboration history