Keeping the ICRP Recommendations fit for purpose and the need for a Global North-South Collaboration.

Abstract

Background

In a world that has been affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of keeping the ICRP recommendations fit for purpose is one whose time has come! However, the idea of keeping the ICRP recommendations fit for purpose cannot be achieved in isolation without a global North-South collaboration.

Materials and Methods

This paper stems from the livestream session of the first digital workshop of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) on the future of radiation protection, held from 14th October 2021 to 4th November 2021. Experts from across the globe shared their perspectives on how to make radiation protection fit for purpose using evidence from literature and real-world experiences.

Results

The expert panel during the live session agreed that radiation protection experts from the global North, who are versatile in the science and practice of radiation protection, will need to collaborate with those from the global South and end-users. This collaboration is essential to ensure that the system of radiological protection designed by the ICRP meets the needs of end-users and produces the desired impact. End-users of radiation protection work in diverse settings and contexts.

Conclusion

Authors of this paper argue that there is a need for greater inclusivity through a global North-South collaboration over the next decade to develop the next fundamental recommendations that will shape radiation-related policy, practice, guidelines, and regulations around the world. The global roadmap for digital cooperation published by the United Nations in June 2020 at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic could serve as a useful guide to make this a reality. This would ensure that existing divides are not further exacerbated by current physical restrictions.