Radiation expert recognized for distinguished achievement

He is a champion of nuclear safety, security and safeguards and recognized as one of the world’s leading radiation experts. He has dedicated his career to protecting the safety and security of Canadians through innovative ways to reduce the threat of radiation exposure from nuclear disaster. He is also one of the founding faculty members of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Ed Waller, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, is the 2017 winner of the Canadian Radiation Protection Association’s (CRPA) Distinguished Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to knowledge, practice and advancement of the field of radiation protection. The CRPA presented the award at its annual banquet and awards ceremony in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on June 6,

Dr. Waller’s research aims to secure nuclear radiation sources including counterterrorism measures, emergency response and environmental effects associated with nuclear power plants in Canada. He has served as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE) Industrial Research Chair in Health Physics and Environmental Safety since 2008.

Environmentally, his research also explores the impact of low doses of radiation on non-human species. A prominent five-year delegate with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization working group investigating radiation bioeffects and countermeasures, Dr. Waller has researched radiological dispersal devices and their effects for more than 15 years.

He developed and patented a novel Radiation Triage Mask (RTM) to rapidly identify and assist with treatment strategies for those exposed internally to radioactive isotopes generated by dirty bombs. The patented RTM determines the type of exposure and amount inhaled, providing first responders the ability to quickly establish a course of treatment and save lives.

Globally, Dr. Waller is part of a research team to design a novel sensor for an improved landmine detection system, an invention currently deployed in countries where landmines are prevalent. Notably, he is the first Canadian academic delegate appointed to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, and works closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Quotes

“As the new Dean of the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, I truly value the recognized subject matter expertise, and the outstanding teaching and professional service of founding faculty members like Ed Waller. I congratulate Ed on this award from the Canadian Radiation Protection Association.”
-Akira Tokuhiro, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science

"I am honoured to receive this award from the Canadian Radiation Protection Association in light of the number of truly exceptional radiation protection professionals in Canada. I thank the University of Ontario Institute of Technology for promoting our unique program in Health Physics and Radiation Science, allowing us to train the next generation of radiation safety professionals."
-Ed Waller, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science