OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of IRPA is to provide a medium whereby those engaged in radiation protection activities in all countries may communicate more readily with each other and through this process advance radiation protection in many parts of the world. This includes relevant aspects of such branches of knowledge as science, medicine, engineering, technology and law, to provide for the protection of man and his environment from the hazards caused by radiation, and thereby to facilitate the safe use of medical, scientific, and industrial radiological practices for the benefit of mankind.

It is a major task for IRPA to provide for and support international meetings for the discussion of radiation protection. The International Congresses of IRPA itself are the most important of these meetings. These have been held about every four years since 1966.

For all Associate Societies of IRPA and individual members, it is an important objective to attend the next International IRPA Congress. For many other related professions it is an excellent opportunity to communicate on the achievements, scientific knowledge and operational experience in radiation protection.

Further objectives of IRPA are:

• encourage the establishment of radiation protection societies throughout the world as a means of achieving international cooperation
• provide for and support international meetings for the discussions of all aspects of radiation protection
• encourage international publications dedicated to radiation protection
• encourage research and educational opportunities in those scientific and related disciplines which support radiation protection

• encourage the establishment and continuous review of universally acceptable radiation protection standards or recommendations through the international bodies concerned.

Slideshow

 IRPA 2010 - 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

(Adopted at the 59th Executive Council, Paris, France, October 2009, revised at the 60th Executive Council, Nairobi, Kenya, October 2010)

MISSION OF IRPA

IRPA is the international professional association for radiation protection. It promotes excellence in the practice of radiation protection through national and regional Associate Societies and radiation protection professionals by providing benchmarks of good practice and enhancing professional competence and networking. It promotes the application of the highest standards of professional conduct, skills and knowledge for the benefit of individual and society.

VISION FOR 2020

IRPA is recognized by its members, stakeholders and the public as the international voice of the radiation protection profession in the enhancement of radiation protection culture and practice worldwide.

GOALS TO BE ACHIEVED DURING THE 2010-2012 PERIOD

1.    Promote excellence in the conduct of IRPA

Task 1    In accordance with the revised constitution (2008), develop rules and procedures to ensure the conduct of excellent and effective IRPA congresses.

•    Ensures a smooth operation of regional and the International Congresses.
•    Promotes the transfer of information to future International Congresses.

Task 2    Develop a scheme for the future support of IRPA activities.


2.    Promote excellence in national and regional associate societies

Task 3     Develop a position paper on the subject of an effective society to assist Associate Societies to promote excellence in the practice of  radiation protection.

Task 4     Develop an action plan for expending the membership of IRPA that:

•    Identifies radiation protection groups that participated in IRPA 12 but that do not belong to affiliated societies; 
•    Explores their potential for becoming Associate Societies;
•    Proposes a mechanism for IRPA Associate Societies to provide mentors to them;
•    Establishes priorities for countries and regions.

3.    Promote excellence in radiation protection professionals

Task 5    Develop an IRPA Strategy Plan on education and training activities.

Task 6     Promote and support the development of guidance documents for use by radiation protection professionals and Associate Societies.

•    Develop a draft guidance document on radiation protection culture by 2012.
•    Solicit Associate Societies for the development of guidance for professional qualification.
•    Assist radiation protection professionals and Associate Societies to provide feedback of their experiences using the IRPA guidance documents.

4.    IRPA is recognized by its members and stakeholders as the international voice of the radiation protection profession

Task 7    Prepare a document on the criteria for engaging IRPA with its members, Associate Societies, international and professional organizations and society as a whole including:

•    What IRPA is, such as:

i) independent
ii) network of societies

•    What IRPA does, such as:

i)  promote effective societies,
ii) promote professionalism
iii) promote standards for individual members
iv) promote effective communication on goals
v) promote feedback
vi) promote professional and scientific education
vii) promote networking among radiation professionals

•    What IRPA provides, such as:

i) professional enhancement for members
ii) resources on radiation protection

Task 8    Develop collaborative arrangements with international organizations to improve radiation protection worldwide.

Task 9    Prepare a paper on the evolution of the publication and communication policy.