Overview
The BRIGHT-Canada Bootcamp is a four-day intensive training event designed to provide trainees with hands-on experience, interdisciplinary learning, and professional development in radiobiology and radiation research. Hosted in collaboration with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and the University of Ottawa, this immersive program combines practical training, workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities in a unique national-lab environment.
Dates: June 15–18, 2026 Locations: University of Ottawa and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (Chalk River, Ontario)
This bootcamp is a core component of the BRIGHT-Canada training program and supports the development of the next generation of radiation scientists and professionals.
Why This Bootcamp Matters
The Chalk River Experience provides a rare opportunity to:
- Gain direct exposure to national-lab facilities and expertise
- Participate in hands-on training sessions and demonstrations
- Develop professional and communication skills
- Engage with leading researchers and industry experts
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across the BRIGHT-Canada network
The bootcamp also fulfills key program deliverables, including advanced practical training, workshops, seminars, and the annual retreat.
Program Highlights
Day 1 – Knowledge Mobilization & Future Readiness (University of Ottawa)
Focus on communication, collaboration, and research exchange:
- Research showcase and trainee project presentations
- Workshops on intellectual property and technology transfer
- Seminars on science communication, radiation physics, and health research
Day 2 – Radiation Physics & Facility Immersion (CNL)
Hands-on experience in the irradiation environment:
- Site safety orientation and facility introduction
- Dose rate calculation and beam mapping
- Irradiation facility tours and demonstrations
- Reactor tour
Day 3 – Molecular Radiobiology & Internal Exposure (CNL)
Exploring DNA damage and dosimetry:
- Alpha irradiation and autoradiography demonstrations
- Career panel on working in national laboratories
- Single-cell sequencing and personal dosimetry sessions
- ·nternal dosimetry modeling
Day 4 – Space Biology & Advanced Cellular Models (CNL)
Frontier research in radiobiology:
- Organoids and low-dose radiation effects
- Protein translation dynamics
- Environmental radiobiology and radionuclide mapping
- Space radiation and microgravity simulation
Who Should Attend
The BRIGHT-Canada Bootcamp is designed for BRIGHT-Canada trainees and partners seeking advanced training in radiobiology, radiation physics, and interdisciplinary research.
Collaboration and Support
This event is made possible through the collaboration and support of BRIGHT-Canada, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, and the University of Ottawa.
More details, including logistics and participation information, will be shared with trainees and partners in the coming months.