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It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credibility of those entrusted with protection of the public and workers against radiation risks, the robustness of the approaches to protection and the relevance of research underpinning radiation protection (RP). The CONCERT European Joint Programme of RP research included consideration of stakeholder views. These were evaluated by means of a publicly available survey, translated into 15 languages, to encourage responses from a wide range of European countries. The survey ran in 2017 and received some 1961 responses from many countries, although response rates varied widely between countries. The survey respondents were largely highly educated, with many having a professional connection to RP or the use of radiation in medicine or industry. Survey results indicated a high level of scientific/technical knowledge relevant to RP and indicated a general trust of most actors involved in the RP field, perhaps unsurprisingly given the nature of the sampled population. Most expressed a reasonable level of satisfaction with the information available to them on radiation risk, but there is clearly room for improvement. Additionally, the survey identified potential training needs amongst the groups who responded. It is concluded that, while the survey results are limited by the non-representativeness of the respondents by comparison with the population of the European Union as a whole, it has been successful in gaining insights into areas where communication could be improved, where professional training gaps are present and where research could help to build wider trust in RP., (© 2021 Society for Radiological Protection. Published on behalf of SRP by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.)

This special issue of JRP includes a selection of research papers and review articles presented at the 15th Congress of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA15) as chosen by the scientific committee. All invited journal contributions are suitably expanded beyond the initial conference presentations to meet the criteria for a full journal article and include (a) presentation within a comprehensive radiological protection context and (b) additional data/interpretation. Published contributions address a wide spectrum of scientific topics and concepts to further develop the radiation protection (RP) system. They are based on scientific evidence and available experience in a wide spectrum of applications of the protection system. The IRPA is the international voice of the RP profession. It promotes excellence in RP by providing benchmarks of good practice, enhancing professional competence, and encourages the application of the highest standards of professional conduct, skills and knowledge for the benefit of individuals and society. Within the overarching theme of the conference 'Bridging RP Culture and Science-Widening Public Empathy' IRPA15 provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss and strengthen the relations between RP culture and science, and share developing scientific knowledge and related experience in RP among members of the scientific community, between representatives of key international organizations, including ICRP, IAEA, WHO, and NEA but also with the public. Some discussions focused on the rationale of available RP programmes and priorities, with an opportunity to identify and further develop key scientific issues of the current RP system as well as key processes for the interaction between members of the scientific community and society. The scientific programme of IRPA15 included eight topics and four thematic areas. The topical areas were: Underpinning Science; Dosimetry and Measurement; the System of Protection; Standards and Regulation; Practical Implementation-Medical Sector, as well as Industry and Research; Emergency Preparedness and Response; Existing Exposures and Non-ionizing Radiation. The thematic areas addressed were: Ethics; Communication and Public Understanding; RP Culture; Human Capital and Competency., (Creative Commons Attribution license.)

During the last decade there has been remarkable integration of radiation protection research in Europe, driven by six research platforms. The platforms are associations of research centres, university research groups and funding bodies in Member States that are dedicated to specialised areas of research in radiation protection, such as health risks (MELODI), radioecology (ALLIANCE), radiological emergencies (NERIS), dosimetry (EURADOS), medical use of radiation (EURAMED) and societal aspects (SHARE). Recently these platforms established an umbrella organisation MEENAS, to endorse further integration and joint activities in research, education and training, and infrastructures. A milestone in this process of integration and priority setting was achieved in 2020 when the first edition of the joint roadmap for radiation protection research was finalised. In this paper we describe the various roles for research and development in the radiation protection context, ranging from basic scientific knowledge underpinning the system of protection to research supporting the development and application of international standards and research and development activities needed to ensure safety in radiation practices and in potential exposure scenarios. We describe the process of how the joint roadmap has been developed and how it could be implemented. Finally, we address the need to anticipate potential future exposure scenarios and to systematically consider the impact of emerging technologies and global challenges in the context of radiation protection. The joint roadmap is a living document that needs to be regularly updated to cover both current and potential exposures of humans and the environment., (Creative Commons Attribution license.)

There is widespread recognition of the challenge of an ageing profession and the need to recruit, train and retain the next generation of radiation protection professionals. This challenge was the topic of a special session at the International Radiation Protection Association IRPA15 International Congress. It is necessary to address three key aspects: capturing the future professional: gaining RP knowledge and skills: addressing retention, development and career progression. We must support the flow of students into science-based topics and attractively promote our profession. The availability of university and other training courses, together with research opportunities, must be supported. Mentoring of young professionals is key, supported by empathetic seniors in the profession. The overall challenge necessitates cooperation across a wide range of organisations at both international and national level., (© 2021 Society for Radiological Protection. Published on behalf of SRP by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.)

Reflecting a change in funding strategies for European research projects, and a commitment to the idea of responsible research and innovation in radiological protection (RP), a collective of research institutes and universities have developed a prospective Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in radiological protection. This is the first time such a research agenda has been proposed. This paper identifies six research lines of interest and concern: (1) Effects of social, psychological and economic aspects on RP behaviour; (2) Holistic approaches to the governance of radiological risks; (3) Responsible research and innovation in RP; (4) Stakeholder engagement and participatory processes in RP research, development, policy and practice; (5) Risk communication; and (6) RP cultures. These topics were developed through broad stakeholder consultation, in conjunction with activities carried out in the framework of various projects and initiatives (EU H2020 CONCERT programme, the EU FP7 projects OPERRA, PREPARE and EAGLE, the 2015-2018 RICOMET series of conferences, and the 2014 and 2016 International Symposia on Ethics of Environmental Health); as well as through dialogues with members of the European radiation protection research communities. The six research lines open opportunities to integrate a range of key social and ethical considerations into RP, thereby expanding research opportunities and programmes and fostering collaborative approaches to research and innovation.

The fourth workshop of the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI) was organised by STUK-Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland. It took place from 12 to 14 September 2012 in Helsinki, Finland. The meeting was attended by 179 scientists and professionals engaged in radiation research and radiation protection. We summarise the major scientific findings of the workshop and the recommendations for updating the MELODI Strategic Research Agenda and Road Map for future low dose research activities.