Course on Geopolymers

Course description

This three-day course offers an introduction to geopolymers with a strong focus on their application for radioactive waste immobilisation. Participants will explore geopolymer chemistry, synthesis routes and material characterization, followed by lectures and case studies on the use of geopolymer matrices for different waste streams, including practical implementation experience from operational programmes.

The programme combines classroom lectures, laboratory sessions on characterization techniques, and workshops on upscaling and non-destructive testing techniques to assess performance of the geopolymer at drum scale.

Through interactive discussions, hands-on lab work and group exercises, attendees will gain a thorough understanding of performance assessment methods and quality control approaches for geopolymer waste forms.

Target audience

The course is designed for early-career researchers, engineers and practitioners in radioactive waste management who wish to deepen their technical knowledge and see how geopolymers move from lab concepts to qualified, scalable waste forms.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental chemistry, synthesis and basic properties of geopolymers.
• Describe how geopolymers can be tailored for immobilisation of different waste streams and discuss real case studies.
• Plan and interpret key laboratory tests on fresh properties, heat release and mechanical performance of geopolymer formulations.
• Identify and apply relevant analytical and non-destructive techniques for performance assessment of geopolymer waste forms at different scales.
• Recognise the main challenges and good practices in scaling up geopolymer systems, including QA/QC aspects and monitoring of physicochemical evolution.
• Collaborate in small groups to analyse experimental data and communicate findings in a clear and structured way.

Recommended background

• Knowledge of radioactive waste management concepts
• Basic background in materials science and cement chemistry.

Educational level: Advanced postgraduate – MSc (EQF level 7)

Price

Participation to this training course is free of charge but formal online registration is mandatory.
EURAD-2 partners can apply for a EURAD-2 Mobility grant to cover their travel costs for this training course.

Registration

Click here to register.

The registration deadline is March 1, 2026.
The cancellation deadline is April 21, 2026.
The training will focus on interaction and dialogue. For this reason, the number of participants will be limited to 20. SCK CEN reserves the right to cancel a training course or event (e.g. in case of low number of registrations) without reimbursement of already made travel and accommodation arrangements.

Accommodation

Accommodation is pre-booked at Corbie hotel in Geel from Sunday May 17 until May 20, 2026 (breakfast included – 3 nights). Hotel booking must be confirmed by the participant himself before April 17, 2026 by email to geel@corbiehotel.com and academy@sckcen.be. Please mention your contact data, the check-in and check-out date and the name of the course ‘Geopolymers’. You pay your stay directly to the hotel.

Disclaimer:
Applicants will receive a formal confirmation email of their admission to the course. Participants are advised not to make any travel arrangements until this confirmation has been received.
This training course is funded by the European Union through the EURAD-2 partnership (Grant Agreement number 101166718).