In Memoriam: Professor Roger H. Clarke CBE, FRCR, FSRP

2026-04-15

ICRP is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Roger H. Clarke CBE, FRCR, FSRP, BSc, MSc, PhD, DUniv, following a short illness.

Professor Clarke was a central figure in the evolution of radiological protection worldwide, and his contributions to ICRP and the broader community were both profound and enduring. He served as a member of the Main Commission from 1989 to 1993, and as Chair from 1993 to 2005, guiding ICRP through a period of significant development and global influence. In recognition of his service, he was later named a Member Emeritus of the Main Commission, a distinction he held for the remainder of his life. Earlier in his career, he also contributed to ICRP as a member of Committee 2 (1985–1989) and Committee 4 (1989–1993), helping to shape key areas of dose assessment and the application of radiological protection.

As Chair, Professor Clarke played a defining role in strengthening the scientific and ethical foundations of the System of Radiological Protection. His leadership helped ensure that ICRP’s recommendations continued to evolve in response to emerging science, societal expectations, and the expanding use of ionising radiation across medicine, industry, and research. His influence can be seen in the global standards and practices that underpin the safe use of radiation today.

Beyond his leadership, Professor Clarke was also a thoughtful historian of the field. His work reflecting on the development of ICRP and its policies helped contextualise decades of progress, tracing the evolution of radiological protection from its early focus on preventing deterministic effects to the modern, comprehensive system grounded in science, ethics, and experience.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to radiological protection and public health, Professor Clarke was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), an honour reflecting the global significance of his life’s work.

He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but also for his integrity, clarity of thought, and quiet leadership. While his work often operated behind the scenes, its impact is felt globally in the protection of people everywhere. His legacy endures, and he will be sincerely missed.