Welcome to the Summer 2026 issue of Radiation Protection Today. Our theme is“ International”- specifically chosen to coincide with the 7th European IRPA Congress being held in Liverpool this June. Radiation protection is an international subject with our standards being set internationally and adopted, with some variations, throughout the world; this issue truly reflects the global nature of our profession.
Having worked in radiation protection in three different countries( the USA, Canada and the UK) and with many international clients across Europe, South America and Asia, this subject is dear to me. We are pleased to incorporate articles in this issue about addressing the challenges posed by the skills shortage and the UK process for regulating new nuclear builds, both of which are topical issues. We also provide articles on‘ The Fingleton Report’ which proposes a review of the UK regulatory processes, and the Million Person Study which is underpinning new discussions in the USA about radiation risks. These issues are key for radiation protection personnel to consider as we move forward.
We also have a number of articles on the various organisations operating in the area of radiological protection, including IRPA and UNSCEAR and the benefits of working collaboratively in Europe. Other articles of general international interest include one on the refurbishment of CANDU reactors happening across the world, another on an incident involving tritium lights in a remote location, and one on atomic tourism.
It has been challenging and fun to take over the Editor role and myself and Samantha, the new Deputy Editor, look forward to bringing you more issues of the magazine. We are grateful to the many contributors, to our advertisers and to our committed Editorial Team. Please continue to send us your articles and ideas for future issues by emailing RPToday @ srp-uk. org.
Maureen McQueen- Editor
© The Society for Radiological Protection( SRP) Summer 2026 Publisher: The Society for Radiological Protection
Editorial Team: Editor: Maureen McQueen Deputy Editor: Samantha Watson Team Members: Stephanie Bloomer, Oliver Caunt, Haleema Hann, Sarah Hunak, Trevor Jones, Sheila Liddle, Chris Perks, Neil Seymour, Gary Teague
Production: Harris Associates
Design: TQ Print & Design
Contact us: Editorial: RPToday @ srp-uk. org Advertising: sara. harrington @ srp-uk. org
Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers.
The Society for Radiological Protection is the UK ' s only professional society covering the entire field of radiation protection. Its objective is to promote the science and art of radiation protection and allied fields for the public benefit. Founded in 1963, it was awarded a Royal Charter in 2007 and is the UK Associate Society affiliated to the International Radiation Protection Association.
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Contents
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5 The Benefits of European Collaboration 8 IRPA – and just why it ' s so important
10 Nuclear Regulatory Reform: ' The Fingleton Report '
14 Addressing the Skills Shortage 16 Atomic Tourism 18 In the Hot Seat: Jack Valentin 20 The INES Scale
21 Words from the Wise: Response to a Damaged Tritium Light Incident
23 Visiting the UAE ' s first Nuclear Power Plant – Barakah
25 The UK ' s GDA Process for Nuclear New Build
28 The US Million Person Study of Low-Dose- Rate Health Effects
30 Soapbox: Frivolous Use of the Radiation Warning Symbol
31 Ten Years of CEMFAW
33 Management of Deceased Patients following Brachytherapy Treatment
34 Refurbishment of CANDU Reactors 36 UNSCEAR 37 ICRP Symposium 2025 39 New Student Award Scheme 40 Back to Basics pullout 41 Backscatter 42 The SRP Puzzle
www. srp-uk. org Registered Charity in England & Wales No. 1122804 Cover photograph: The Vienna International Centre- a major UN site which hosts many organisations including the IAEA. Credit: Samantha Watson Cover design: ollustration
Printed on recyclable paper sourced from responsibly managed forests using vegetable-based inks. This issue and all past issues are available digitally at www. srp-rpt. uk
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