The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), in co-ordination with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and the Centre for Radiation Protection Research (CRPR) of Stockholm University, hosted the eighth edition of the International Radiological Protection School (IRPS) in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10-14 August 2026. Over a five-day rigorous programme, this school provided the next generation of nuclear professionals with a clear understanding of the radiological protection (RP) system and how it is intended to be interpreted for application in diverse and emerging contexts.
Participants learned the foundations of the international RP framework from experts who helped create the system, including the historical basis and evolution of the system so that this information can help inform future adaptations. Course topics explored the scientific basis, as well as the integration of such principles into regulatory and national frameworks. Through presentations and interactive case studies, lecturers and participants alike further conversations on science, ethics and experience.
The school, designed for early career professionals, encourages participants to consider protection systems for different situations, requiring all to exercise critical thinking concerning the interplay of science, international policy and standards.
Highlights included the case study exercises on emergency and recovery management, a round table discussion with senior regulators on application of the system and regulatory challenges, as well as the mini workshop within the school where selected abstracts were discussed, based on the work submitted by participants prior to the start of the week. This mini workshop served as an interactive platform to discuss practical challenges in the application of the RP system, linking the course content to participants’ professional experience and to benefit from the knowledge of the lecturers.
The spirit of forward thinking was shown from discussions on the state-of-the-art science, emerging technologies and applications for radiological protection. This included engaging discussions across cross-cutting fields and research areas including radiobiology, epidemiology, outer space, SMRs, medical applications and social sciences.
Each year the programme continues to adapt to address future challenges and best prepare the upcoming workforce to ensure the RP culture continues to evolve. This included looking at how the radiological protection system continues to be integrated into next generation technologies and other innovations to overcome safety challenges.
