The Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC) – Forty Years of Nuclear Knowledge Management

Established in 1962, the Radiation Safety Information Computational Center (RSICC) has seen over 40 years of research and growth in information processing in the areas of radiation transport, radiation shielding, and radiation safety. Information transfer is a key activity at RSICC. RSICC’s mission is to provide in-depth coverage of the radiation transport field to meet the needs of the international nuclear community. As an information analysis center, RSICC collects, organizes, evaluates, and disseminates computer codes and data involving shielding and protection from the radiation associated with fission and fusion reactors, outer space, accelerators, weapons, medical facilities, and nuclear waste management. The Center provides in-depth coverage of radiation transport topics. The RSICC technology base includes about 1700 computer codes and data packages, representing the legacy of many scientists. Over the years, more than 5000 scientists have used the center at one time or another. Today, the number of registered users is over 10000. Through software and data dissemination, RSICC has served as the focal point for this network of researchers and promoted the exchange and enhancement of technology. RSICC disseminates between 1500-2000 copies from its software/data collection each year. The website is http://rsicc.ornl.gov.