The Radiation Biology department addresses the experimental and theoretical prerequisites necessary to provide effective protection from ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in aviation and spaceflight. This encompasses: (i) assessment of radiation exposure at aviation altitudes and for different space mission scenarios using active and passive dosimetry, (ii) development of new dosimeters, and (iii) modeling of radiation fields. In addition, radiation protection guidelines and suitable countermeasures are developed. This challenging task requires the investigation of biological effects of space radiation (especially heavy ions) and other environmental stressors on different test systems at cellular and molecular level. Depth dose distribution measurements and better understanding of the cellular radiation response are also vital to improving cancer radiotherapy, in particular by energetic protons or carbon ions.
The search for life is a central goal of space missions, and microbial contamination of other planets and moons has to be avoided. As such, the department investigates how microbial life is limited by biotic and abiotic factors and which mechanisms are responsible for adaptation to extreme conditions.
Furthermore, the microbial burden and biodiversity in crewed habitats, on spaceships and in cleanrooms are determined so that measures to reduce the microbial burden can be developed and tested.