Rainer Dähn

Rainer Dähn is a Scientist and Project Leader at the Laboratory for Waste Management, part of the Nuclear Energy and Safety Research Division at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland since 2001. His research focuses on metal ion uptake mechanisms in clay and cementitious materials using advanced X-ray techniques, including synchrotron-based micro-spectroscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). He holds a Diplom-Physiker (1993) from the University of Hamburg and a Ph.D. (2001) from ETH Zurich, where his doctoral work explored Ni(II) and Th(IV) sorption mechanisms on clay surfaces. His career includes visiting roles at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2006) and beamline scientist positions at the European Synchrotron Facility (2000s).

Key research interests include radionuclide retention in waste repository materials, cement chemistry, and the application of synchrotron-based methods to study heterogeneous interfaces. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications demonstrate expertise in actinide binding mechanisms, heavy metal sorption, and the structural characterization of cementitious phases like C-S-H. His work bridges environmental geochemistry and nuclear waste management, addressing long-term safety concerns in waste disposal systems.

Publications highlight contributions to understanding Ni, U, and Th behavior in cement and clays, as well as interdisciplinary studies on alkali-silica reactions in concrete. Collaborations with institutions like KIT-INE and participation in EU projects (e.g., EURAD) reflect his role in advancing nuclear waste management technologies. Despite no listed awards, his sustained research impact is evident through ongoing leadership in PSI’s XAS program and contributions to international standards for waste repository analysis.