From space exploration to brain radiosurgery, from ensuring the safety of commercial aircraft to helping fight the spread of the Zika virus, Cobalt-60 plays a leading—and often surprising—role in our society. It is arguably the radioisotope with the greatest impact on global healthcare, enabling the sterilization of 30 to 40% of all single-use medical devices.  Presented by Riccardo Bevilacqua (Elekta), this webinar explored the wide-ranging uses of Cobalt-60, the sustainability of its production, and the broader role this nuclear technology plays in our world. It concluded by focusing on its medical applications—particularly in precision stereotactic radiosurgery—where the unique characteristics of Cobalt-60 remain unmatched by any other modality.  

The video is availabe to watch at the bottom of this page.

View the question and answer document (member access only, you need to be logged into MySRP in order to view this document).

Presenter: Riccardo Bevilacqua (Elekta)

Riccardo is a nuclear physicist with a PhD from Uppsala University, where he focused on neutron data for Generation IV nuclear reactors.  He has held research positions at the European Commission and the European Spallation Source, and now leads global radiation safety initiatives at Elekta, based in Stockholm.  His career bridges nuclear research, radiation protection, and medical physics—the field that first drew his interest as a student in Italy.  Outside of work, he writes popular science articles on physics and radiation and is a father and stepfather.

Webinar