David Copplestone

Position: Professor in Environmental Radioactivity

General interests

My research focuses on the exposure and effects of ionising radiation on wildlife from all sources of release including from the nuclear industry, accidents (e.g. Chernobyl) and small user sources such as from hospitals and research institutes. The study of radionuclides can also tell us about the fate and behaviour of non-radioactive contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, persistent organic compounds) in the environment and consequently I have an interest in how environmental contaminants in general impact on the environment. Specifically, I have been involved in the development of scientific approaches to evaluate the biological impact of contaminants (primarily radionuclides) on wildlife and through this have been elected to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Committee 5 on environmental protection from ionising radiation since 2009. The ICRP make recommendations which influence national legislation in every country where radioactive substances are used. I am the chair of a new Task Group for the ICRP looking at the application of environmental protection within the ICRP radiological system of protection.

Find me at my Researchgate page and/or my Stirling University page

Academic background

BSc (Hons) Applied Biology (2.1) Imperial College, London 1992

PhD (The food chain transfer of radionuclides through semi-natural habitats); University of Liverpool; 1996

1992 – 1998      Research Student progressing to Research Assistant, and Senior Research Assistant, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool

Chartered Biologist, The Society of Biology, 1996

1998 – 2003      Radioecology Group Manager, Environmental Research and Consultancy (ERC), University of Liverpool

2003 – 2004      Research Fellow and University Teacher, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool

Chartered Radiation Protection Professional, The Society for Radiological Protection, 2007

2004 – 2010      Honorary Research Fellow, University of Liverpool

2004 – 2010      Principal Scientist – Radioactive Substances, Environment Agency

2010 – 2015      Senior Lecturer, University of Stirling

2015 – now       Professor, University of Stirling

Notable publications