Vancouver call for action to strengthen expertise in radiological protection worldwide

Abstract

Ionising radiation has been used for over a century for peaceful purposes, revolutionising health care and promoting well-being through its application in industry, science, and medicine. For almost as long, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has promoted understanding of health and environmental risks of ionising radiation and developed a protection system that enables the safe use of ionising radiation in justified and beneficial practices, providing protection from all sources of radiation. However, we are concerned that a shortage of investment in training, education, research, and infrastructure seen in many sectors and countries may compromise society’s ability to properly manage radiation risks, leading to unjustified exposure to or unwarranted fear of radiation, impacting the physical, mental, and social well-being of our peoples. This could unduly limit the potential for research and development in new radiation technologies (healthcare, energy, and the environment) for beneficial purposes. ICRP therefore calls for action to strengthen expertise in radiological protection worldwide through: (1) National governments and funding agencies strengthening resources for radiological protection research allocated by governments and international organisations, (2) National research laboratories and other institutions launching and sustaining long-term research programmes, (3) Universities developing undergraduate and graduate university programmes and making students aware of job opportunities in radiation-related fields, (4) Using plain language when interacting with the public and decision makers about radiological protection, and (5) Fostering general awareness of proper uses of radiation and radiological protection through education and training of information multipliers. The draft call was discussed with international organisations in formal relations with ICRP in October 2022 at the European Radiation Protection Week in Estoril, Portugal, and the final call announced at the 6th International Symposium on the System of Radiological Protection of ICRP in November 2022 in Vancouver, Canada.

Nuclear Medicine Radiological Hot Laboratory Simulation: A Mixed-Method Intervention Study on Immersive Virtual Reality for Sustainable Education

“…In addition, Newhauser et al further claimed that most training programs are inadequate, declining, or nonexistent. Therefore, to meet society's needs, appropriate resources must be allocated to recruit and retain workers [59,60], and training programs must be developed that encourage careers in radiation profession fields [61].…”

ICRP workshop on the review and revision of the system of radiological protection: a focus on research priorities—feedback from the international community

“…Finally, the need for continuous and even enhanced efforts in education and training activities was highlighted, in line with ICRP's recent Vancouver call for action (Rühm et al 2023). Other cross-cutting issues that might require further research included research on how to consider and possibly include uncertainties in the System, how to communicate the System having these uncertainties in mind and, more generally, how to further elaborate the role of the ethical foundation of the System.…”

Science-informed Policy Making for Protecting People and the Environment from Radiation

“…Professional organizations such as HPS and the American Academy of Health Physics can provide radiation protection practitioners with continuing education programs on the state of the science and describe the key underpinnings of the system of radiological protection (Rühm et al 2023). Such efforts will help equip and prepare radiation protection professionals so they can more effectively communicate radiation health information with their stakeholders.…”