Fostering global collaboration: Indian association for radiation protection-young professionals group discussion forum with young generation network of the International Radiation Protection Association at IARPNC 2025, Mangalore University, Mangaluru

The 35th Indian Association for Radiation Protection (IARP) National Conference was held on January 29 – 31, 2025 at Mangalore University, Mangaluru, India with the theme “Radiation Protection for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: Adapting to Climate and Technological Changes.” On the last day of the conference, there was a session on the “IARP-YPG Discussion Forum with the Young Generation Network from IRPA-associated societies”. The goal of the session was to share youth perspectives on radiation protection (RP) and its challenges and to discuss the activities of various young generation groups in spreading awareness. The session started at 9:30 AM IST and was conducted in a hybrid mode. The panel of speakers included Mr. Takahiko Kono from the Japan Health Physics Society (JHPS), Ms. Viktoria Herzner from the Austrian Association for RP (ÖVS), Mr. Edwin Kagai from the RP and Nuclear Safety Youth Network (RPNS-YN), Kenya, and Ms. Riya Dey and Mr. Clinton S. A. Fernandes from the IARP. The audience for the session included experts in RP from diverse domains. The session began with welcome remarks by Dr S Anand, Secretary IARP, who explained the objectives of the Young Generation Network of the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA-YGN) and the Young Professionals Group of IARP (IARP YPG), setting the tone for the discussion [Figure 1].Figure 1: Indian Association for Radiation Protection-Young Professionals Group discussion forum with the Young Generation Network (YGN) from International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) associated societies (IRPA YGN) at IARPNC, 2025 (Hybrid mode)Next, Mr Takahiko Kono, Chair of the IRPA-YGN Leadership Committee and a member of JHPS, shared his views on “The Future of Radiation Protection for Young Professionals with experiences of the IRPA-YGN.” He explained the recent activities of the IRPA-YGN. Following this, he presented a report on the “Recent Activities of the Young Researchers Association (YRA) of JHPS and the Future of Our Radiation Protection.” As of January 2025, there are about 30 engineers and researchers under the age of 40 working in private companies, research institutes, and academia. He shared a photo of the first joint study meeting held by JHPS and the Young Research Biologists’ Association of Japan in 2018 and explained their journey from that initial point. They have organized extensive study sessions related to ICRP publications and have also participated in outreach activities. Volunteers from JHPS have been providing accurate information on radiation and radioactivity via an Internet-based website since the Fukushima accident. They have also organized joint JHPS-SRP-KARP YGN workshops, one in December 2019 in Sendai, Japan, and another in October 2022 in an online format. Thus, he explained how YRA contributes to the field of RP by exchanging information and discussing the latest knowledge. Next, Ms. Viktoria Herzner from the Austrian Association for RP (ÖVS) presented her views on RP and the activities of Young Scientists and Professionals (YS and P) in this domain. She explained that currently, YS and P has 62 members, and they have received scholarships, as well as research and travel grants from ÖVS. They organize four online meetings and webinars per year and hold at least one in-person meeting annually. They also engage in group discussions, hiking, and other activities that serve as special bonding moments, along with excursions to different institutes to enrich their experience and knowledge. They won first place in the IRPA-YGN Movie Contest in 2023, which highlighted the importance of radiation and focused on spreading awareness among the public. Next, Mr. Edwin Kagai from the RPNS-YN, Kenya, discussed the activities of young professionals in promoting nuclear energy as a solution to carbon emissions and climate change caused by conventional energy sources. He mentioned that RPNS-YN engages in safety advocacy through formal and informal interactions with experts, policymakers, and the general public. They have organized several webinars to date. He explained in detail why such conferences are essential for the growth of the community in addressing global challenges and also described their future activities and ambitions. Next, Ms. Riya Dey from the IARP presented a talk on “Global Perspectives: Empowering Young Professionals in Radiation Protection” with a focus on the theme of the conference. She explained key focus areas that are critical at present, namely global energy demand, challenges related to climate change, and how nuclear energy can provide a sustainable solution. The contribution of young professionals to this field was emphasized, along with the role of the IARP-YPG, which aligns with the objectives of IRPA-YGN. IARP-YPG is a national network of “Young Researchers” in the field of RP and its allied fields. This was formed in March 2023, soon after the AOCRP6 Conference at Mumbai, and at present, there are 22 members from different scientific domains working in the field of RP. Next, she enlisted the activities of IARP YPG so far which include monthly lectures by eminent experts (available on the “IARP India” YouTube channel), lecture series by YPG members to enhance communication skills through group discussions, presentations, and interactive activities. YPG also has a dedicated page in the Radiation Protection and Environment (RPE) journal, where members can share their thoughts, ongoing research, achievements, awards, and publication summaries. She highlighted the potential for further innovation in RP through AI-driven tools, robotics, and advances in detection systems. In addition, methodological improvements that improve the fundamental understanding of radiation physics, biology, and chemistry were a key focus of her discussion. She also outlined the outreach programs undertaken by IARP members to inspire students and raise awareness of career opportunities and developments in this expanding field. These initiatives include interactive workshops, science exhibitions, and educational talks aimed at dispelling myths about radiation and promoting informed discussions. Several challenges in the field were identified, and possible solutions were proposed. The need for more online mentorship programs and webinars to support young professionals and students in RP and nuclear science was highlighted. Existing initiatives such as ICRP, IAEA, and IARP mentorship programs, as well as HBNI webinars on career opportunities and alumni talks, have been instrumental in guiding early career researchers. It was emphasized that expanding these efforts to include more virtual events would increase accessibility and global participation. The panel also addressed the queries raised by the audience and participants. Mr. Clinton S. A. Fernandes contributed to the panel discussion, by moderating the Q and A sessions, providing valuable insights, and answering questions specifically related to India’s initiatives and involvement in RP, further enriching the conversation. The concluding remarks of the session were that extensive public awareness is needed, and a greater number of dedicated young researchers from engineering and basic sciences are required to foster a collaborative environment for a future built on sustainable solutions. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.