Rolf Maximillian Sievert

Rolf Maximilian Sievert (1896 – 1966) is widely recognized as the father of radiological protection. He was born into a prosperous family in Stockholm, Sweden, and inherited a significant fortune from his father, allowing him to live comfortably without financial worries. Sievert's education was initially scattered, as he struggled to find his path. He attended various schools and universities, including the Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University, where he developed an interest in physics and meteorology.

Sievert's encounter with radiation physics came during a visit to the United States in 1920. There, he met Gösta Forssell, a researcher from the Radiumhemmet, and together they explored various institutions to learn about the latest developments in radiation therapy. Sievert was particularly impressed by the work of William Duane at Harvard University, who proposed a method for regulating radium emanation.

Upon returning to Sweden, Sievert received support from the Radiumhemmet to conduct his own research on radiation measurement. He focused on the spatial distribution of radiation from radium compounds and developed the Sievert integration theory, which mathematically calculated the intensity of radiation from arranged radium compounds. He emphasized the importance of radiolgical protection and limiting professionals' exposure to radiation.

Sievert's contributions to radiotherapy technique, radiobiology, and radiation protection laws were significant. He developed innovative tools and techniques to protect therapists from radiation and improve radiotherapy. In 1932, he received a doctorate degree from Uppsala University and became a lecturer in medical physics at Stockholm College. In 1941, he was appointed as the head of the Radiation Physics Research Institute and professor of radiation physics at the Karolinska Hospital.

Sievert played a crucial role in international efforts to establish radiological protection standards. He chaired the International X-ray and Radium Protection Committee (IXRPC), the predecessor of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Under his leadership, the ICRP prescribed the first dose limits and worked to prevent radiation hazards. Sievert also served as the chairman of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR).

Sievert's involvement in radiological protection extended beyond medical applications. He conducted research on natural gamma rays, surveyed radiation distribution in Sweden, and developed measures against nuclear accidents. He actively participated in international discussions and meetings related to radiological protection.

In his later years, Sievert held important positions in various committees and received numerous awards for his contributions. He dedicated himself to advancing the field of radiological protection until his death in 1966. His legacy lives on in the form of the Sievert, a unit of radiation dose measurement named in his honor.

Sievert's pioneering work in radiological protection has had a lasting impact on the field. His research, inventions, and leadership in international committees have helped shape radiation safety practices worldwide. His dedication to understanding the risks associated with radiation and developing strategies to protect individuals from its harmful effects solidifies his position as the father of radiological protection.

REFERENCES:

Sekiya, M., Yamasaki, M. Rolf Maximilian Sievert (1896–1966): father of radiation protection. Radiol Phys Technol 9, 1–5 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12194-015-0330-5.