ICRP Chair Delivers Keynote at HPS 2026 International Collaboration Session

2026-07-14

photo courtesy of Peter Bryant, World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI)

ICRP Chair Werner Rühm delivered the keynote presentation during the International Collaboration Committee Special Session at the 2026 Health Physics Society (HPS) Annual Meeting, which explored the theme Harmonizing U.S. Policy Evolution with Global Radiation Protection Standards and Pathways to Collaboration.

In his presentation, "ICRP's Role in Providing Science-Based Recommendations for International Radiological Protection," Dr Rühm outlined how the System of Radiological Protection has evolved through nearly a century of international scientific collaboration and continues to serve as the foundation for radiological protection standards and guidance around the world.

The presentation highlighted the three pillars of the System, science, ethics, and experience, together with the fundamental principles of justification, optimisation, and dose limitation that underpin radiological protection across a wide range of exposure situations.

Dr Rühm also discussed the scientific basis for protection at low doses, including the use of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model as a practical framework for informing policy decisions under uncertainty. He emphasised the importance of integrating scientific evidence with ethical considerations and practical experience to achieve proportionate protection for people, animals, and the environment.

Questions and inquiries can be directed to Kelsey Cloutier, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications.

The session concluded with an overview of the ongoing revision of the System of Radiological Protection and the importance of continued international collaboration in shaping its future. Bringing together experts from across the radiation protection community, the discussion reinforced the value of open dialogue and shared expertise as the global community works to strengthen science based radiological protection for the years ahead.