Invited Speakers

Daniel Kaplan

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University Of Georgia

Daniel Kaplan is a Senior Research Scientist at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and an Associate Director for the University of Georgia Research Institute. He received a BS and MS degree in Soil Science at the University of New

Hampshire, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Georgia.  He previously conducted research at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and more recently at the Savannah River National Laboratory. His present research program is focused on developing models to describe inorganic and radiological contaminant interactions with mineral surfaces and natural organic matter using a combination of microscopy, spectroscopy, and numerical methods. He has received nominations and appointments from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, U.S. National Research Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, and the United Nation’s International Atomic Energy Agency.

KEYNOTE SUBJECT: Biogeochemical Processes Responsible for Wetland Attenuation of Uranium: Potential Impact of Climate Change


Jixin Qiao

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Professor Jixin Qiao leads the Radioecology and Tracer Study (RTS) research group, at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU Sustain). She has 20 years’ experience in the field of Radiochemistry, with main research areas covering Radioanalytical Chemistry, Speciation Analysis of Radionuclides, Environmental Radioactivity, Radioecology and Tracer Studies. Specifically, her research is centered on development of radiochemical methods and automation techniques for determining difficult-to-measure radionuclides, and the application of radiotracers in environmental and oceanic studies.

Her major contribution to science includes:

  1. Development of automated radioanalytical apparatus based on advanced flow techniques;
  2. Method development for determining low-level radionuclides in various environmental and waste samples based on advanced mass spectrometric techniques;
  3. Pioneering oceanic tracer application using anthropogenic uranium isotopes (U-233 and U-236) for tracing ocean circulation and pollutant dynamics;
  4. Application of natural and anthropogenic radioisotopes for environmental tracer studies including soil erosion, geological dating, pollutant transport, carbon cycling and climate change.

KEYNOTE SUBJECT: Long-Term Environmental Radioactivity Time Series as Windows into Radioecological Processes


Ole Christian Lind

Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

Professor Ole Christian Lind is head of the Environmental Radioactivity research group at Norwegian University of Life Sciences and is currently chairing Research Theme 5 of the Norwegian Nuclear Research Center (NNRC). From 2018-2023, he served as Research Director of Centre of Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD CoE). He has 29 years of experience within environmental chemistry and environmental radiochemistry, his main expertise being speciation and source identification of radionuclides and trace elements using advanced techniques such as synchrotron radiation based micro- and nano-focused x-ray techniques. In recent years he has also been focusing on environmental impact and risk assessments involving environmental transport and ecosystem transfer modelling as well as biological responses including from multiple stressor exposures. He has participated in numerous field work campaigns across the world.

KEYNOTE SUBJECT: Shedding Light on Multiscale Heterogeneity of Radionuclides in the Environment


Jade Ritchie

Tellus Holdings

Jade Ritchie is a Gooreng Gooreng woman and General Manager, Business Development at Tellus Holdings, Australia's leading provider of permanent isolation solutions for hazardous waste. She is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and supporting the company's growth across emerging markets, drawing on her expertise in government, major projects and Aboriginal affairs. 

Before joining Tellus, Jade spent more than 20 years working across all three levels of government in Aboriginal affairs, economic development, youth justice and major projects. This unique combination of commercial and public sector experience has established her as a trusted voice on the intersection of industry, public policy and First Nations engagement.

Jade is a Board Director of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and a sought-after keynote speaker on Indigenous engagement, environmental stewardship and the role of two-way knowledge in achieving better outcomes for people and Country.

KEYNOTE SUBJECT: Coming Together for Country: Trust, Two-Way Knowledge and the Future of Radiation Stewardship