Marie Claire Cantone was a scientist, educator, and mentor whose impact on radiological protection reached far beyond her own work.
As a professor of Applied Physics in Medicine at the University of Milan and through her long-standing involvement with ICRP and the wider international community, she inspired generations of professionals through her knowledge, generosity, and commitment to others. Marie Claire believed deeply in bringing people together. She championed mentorship, encouraged young professionals to step forward, and worked tirelessly to promote gender balance and inclusion within radiological protection. Her warmth, integrity, and belief in people left a lasting impression on all who worked with her.
After her passing, together with her family, ICRP is honouring her life and values in a meaningful and lasting way.
The Marie Claire Cantone Fund supports emerging professionals in radiological protection by helping them participate in ICRP-related activities and become part of the international community that Marie Claire helped to build.
Established through ICRP and generosity of her family, including an initial contribution of €100 000, the Fund transforms Marie Claire’s values into action. At its heart, the Fund is about opportunity, ensuring that talent, commitment, and potential are not limited by geography or financial circumstance.
The Fund not only bears her name, but reflects the way she lived — opening doors, building bridges, and helping people grow.
Marie Claire Cantone was a scientist, educator, and mentor whose impact on radiological protection reached far beyond her own work.
As a professor of Applied Physics in Medicine at the University of Milan and through her long-standing involvement with ICRP and the wider international community, she inspired generations of professionals through her knowledge, generosity, and commitment to others. Marie Claire believed deeply in bringing people together. She championed mentorship, encouraged young professionals to step forward, and worked tirelessly to promote gender balance and inclusion within radiological protection. Her warmth, integrity, and belief in people left a lasting impression on all who worked with her.
After her passing, together with her family, ICRP is honouring her life and values in a meaningful and lasting way.
The Marie Claire Cantone Fund supports emerging professionals in radiological protection by helping them participate in ICRP-related activities and become part of the international community that Marie Claire helped to build.
Established through ICRP and generosity of her family, including an initial contribution of €100 000, the Fund transforms Marie Claire’s values into action. At its heart, the Fund is about opportunity, ensuring that talent, commitment, and potential are not limited by geography or financial circumstance.
The Fund not only bears her name, but reflects the way she lived — opening doors, building bridges, and helping people grow.
Participation in international meetings, symposia, and workshops is essential for professional growth in radiological protection. These settings allow emerging experts to learn from experienced leaders, contribute their own perspectives, and build the networks that shape long-term careers. Yet for many early-career and emerging professionals, particularly those from underserved regions, women, and ICRP Mentees, the cost of travel, registration, and accommodation can make these opportunities inaccessible.
The Marie Claire Cantone Fund exists to change that.
The Fund is designed to support:
• Emerging professionals at the early-to-mid stages of their radiological protection careers
• ICRP Mentees, helping them fully engage with the international community
• Professionals from underserved regions, where access to international forums is limited
• Women in radiological protection, supporting greater balance and representation
By reducing financial barriers, the Fund enables participation that strengthens both individuals and the field as a whole.
In 2025, ICRP held an online webinar to raise funds to support in-person participation at ICRP 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. One of the professionals supported through that event was Harriet Kisembo from Uganda, who attended ICRP 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
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Coming from a low-resource setting, international conferences always felt out of reach. I longed to be part of the global conversation on radiation protection, but the costs made it impossible. Being supported to attend ICRP 2025 changed everything. For the first time, I felt seen, included, and able to contribute. I returned home with renewed purpose and new ideas, and I am now sharing what I learned with my students, colleagues, and community. Support like this does not just help one person — it creates a ripple effect. — Harriet Kisembo, Uganda |
Harriet’s experience reflects the purpose of the Fund: creating opportunities that extend far beyond a single event and strengthening radiological protection where it is needed most.
Support from the Fund is not simply about being present.
It is about enabling emerging professionals to:
• Contribute to discussions that shape international guidance
• Build confidence and professional identity
• Establish mentoring relationships and long-term collaborations
• Bring knowledge and experience back to their home institutions and communities
This is how Marie Claire worked throughout her career, and how her legacy continues.
ICRP is committed to ensuring that the Marie Claire Cantone Fund remains active, transparent, and impactful year after year.
The Fund is:
• Held separately from ICRP’s general resources
• Overseen by a small committee comprising the Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, the Scientific Secretary & CEO, and one member of the Main Commission
• Reported on annually, ensuring accountability and transparency
Each year, ICRP will direct proceeds from selected events and registration fees to the Fund, invite further contributions, and share updates on its impact. There will be an application process annually to attend ICRP symposia and other related events.
Organisations and individuals who share Marie Claire’s values are invited to support the Fund in a way that aligns with their capacity and interests.
Support may include:
• Financial contributions to the Fund
• Sponsoring participation of emerging professionals at ICRP Symposia or related meetings
• Donating registration fees or event proceeds to help grow the Fund
Supporters will be acknowledged by ICRP as champions in sustaining Marie Claire’s legacy and strengthening the future of radiological protection.
Marie Claire believed in people, in their ability to learn, to contribute, and to lead with integrity. The Marie Claire Cantone Fund ensures that her belief continues to open doors, amplify voices, and shape the next generation of radiological protection professionals.
Marie Claire Cantone was a scientist, educator, and mentor whose impact on radiological protection reached far beyond her own work.
As a professor of Applied Physics in Medicine at the University of Milan and through her long-standing involvement with ICRP and the wider international community, she inspired generations of professionals through her knowledge, generosity, and commitment to others. Marie Claire believed deeply in bringing people together. She championed mentorship, encouraged young professionals to step forward, and worked tirelessly to promote gender balance and inclusion within radiological protection. Her warmth, integrity, and belief in people left a lasting impression on all who worked with her.
After her passing, together with her family, ICRP is honouring her life and values in a meaningful and lasting way.
The Marie Claire Cantone Fund supports emerging professionals in radiological protection by helping them participate in ICRP-related activities and become part of the international community that Marie Claire helped to build.
Established through ICRP and generosity of her family, including an initial contribution of €100 000, the Fund transforms Marie Claire’s values into action. At its heart, the Fund is about opportunity, ensuring that talent, commitment, and potential are not limited by geography or financial circumstance.
The Fund not only bears her name, but reflects the way she lived — opening doors, building bridges, and helping people grow.
Participation in international meetings, symposia, and workshops is essential for professional growth in radiological protection. These settings allow emerging experts to learn from experienced leaders, contribute their own perspectives, and build the networks that shape long-term careers. Yet for many early-career and emerging professionals, particularly those from underserved regions, women, and ICRP Mentees, the cost of travel, registration, and accommodation can make these opportunities inaccessible.
The Marie Claire Cantone Fund exists to change that.
The Fund is designed to support:
• Emerging professionals at the early-to-mid stages of their radiological protection careers
• ICRP Mentees, helping them fully engage with the international community
• Professionals from underserved regions, where access to international forums is limited
• Women in radiological protection, supporting greater balance and representation
By reducing financial barriers, the Fund enables participation that strengthens both individuals and the field as a whole.
In 2025, ICRP held an online webinar to raise funds to support in-person participation at ICRP 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. One of the professionals supported through that event was Harriet Kisembo from Uganda, who attended ICRP 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
|
Coming from a low-resource setting, international conferences always felt out of reach. I longed to be part of the global conversation on radiation protection, but the costs made it impossible. Being supported to attend ICRP 2025 changed everything. For the first time, I felt seen, included, and able to contribute. I returned home with renewed purpose and new ideas, and I am now sharing what I learned with my students, colleagues, and community. Support like this does not just help one person — it creates a ripple effect. — Harriet Kisembo, Uganda |
Harriet’s experience reflects the purpose of the Fund: creating opportunities that extend far beyond a single event and strengthening radiological protection where it is needed most.
Support from the Fund is not simply about being present.
It is about enabling emerging professionals to:
• Contribute to discussions that shape international guidance
• Build confidence and professional identity
• Establish mentoring relationships and long-term collaborations
• Bring knowledge and experience back to their home institutions and communities
This is how Marie Claire worked throughout her career, and how her legacy continues.
ICRP is committed to ensuring that the Marie Claire Cantone Fund remains active, transparent, and impactful year after year.
The Fund is:
• Held separately from ICRP’s general resources
• Overseen by a small committee comprising the Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, the Scientific Secretary & CEO, and one member of the Main Commission
• Reported on annually, ensuring accountability and transparency
Each year, ICRP will direct proceeds from selected events and registration fees to the Fund, invite further contributions, and share updates on its impact. There will be an application process annually to attend ICRP symposia and other related events.
Organisations and individuals who share Marie Claire’s values are invited to support the Fund in a way that aligns with their capacity and interests.
Support may include:
• Financial contributions to the Fund
• Sponsoring participation of emerging professionals at ICRP Symposia or related meetings
• Donating registration fees or event proceeds to help grow the Fund
Supporters will be acknowledged by ICRP as champions in sustaining Marie Claire’s legacy and strengthening the future of radiological protection.
Marie Claire believed in people, in their ability to learn, to contribute, and to lead with integrity. The Marie Claire Cantone Fund ensures that her belief continues to open doors, amplify voices, and shape the next generation of radiological protection professionals.