Note on the 35th Indian Association for Radiation Protection National Conference-2025

The Indian Association for Radiation Protection (IARP) successfully organized its 35th Biennial Scientific Conference, IARP National Conference-2025 (IARPNC-2025), in collaboration with Mangalore University at the Mangala Auditorium, Mangalore University, Mangaluru, Karnataka, from January 29, to 31, 2025. The conference, themed “Radiation Protection for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: Adapting to Climate and Technological Changes,” provided a distinguished platform for experts, researchers, and professionals to engage in insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing. The event saw the participation of nearly 350 professionals, including esteemed scientists from BARC and DAE units, distinguished academicians, and industry leaders from the radiation technology sector. The scientific sessions had an average attendance of approximately 250 delegates, reflecting active engagement and enthusiasm. INAUGURAL SESSION The inaugural session of IARPNC-2025, held on January 29, 2025, commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Karunakara Naregundi, Convener of IARPNC-2025 and Coordinator of the Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radioactivity at Mangalore University. Shri Probal Chaudhury, Head, HPD, BARC, and President of IARP, highlighted the conference’s significance and IARP’s role in advancing radiation protection. Shri D. K. Shukla, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and Chief Guest of the conference, formally inaugurated the event and delivered the Inaugural Address, emphasizing the relevance of the conference theme to sustainable nuclear energy and evolving technologies [Figure 1].Figure 1: Inauguration of 35th IARPNC 2025, Mangalore UniversityAs part of the inaugural proceedings, Prof. K. Siddappa, Former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, unveiled the Souvenir, which included messages from esteemed dignitaries, the conference program schedule, abstracts of invited talks, and a catalog of the trade exhibition. Shri B. Vinod Kumar, Site Director of Kaiga Generating Station, remotely inaugurated the Trade Exhibition. In addition, Prof. M. Vijaya Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), launched the e-abstract book, featuring oral and poster presentations. Dr. D. K. Aswal, Director of HS and EG, BARC, delivered the Conference Address, setting the stage for insightful discussions. Dr. S. Anand, Secretary of IARP, announced the IARP-2025 Awards, recognizing distinguished experts for their outstanding contributions to radiation protection across various domains [Figure 2]:Figure 2: IARP-2025 Special contribution awards The Lifetime Achievement Award-2025 – Dr. K. S. Pradeepkumar Dr. A. K. Ganguly Memorial Oration Award-2025 – Dr. M. S. Kulkarni Dr. K. G. Vohra Memorial Oration Award-2025 – Dr. A. Vinod Kumar Nagaratnam Memorial Oration Award-2025 – Shri Ajay Singh Rathore Shri P. R. Kamath Radiation Environmentalist Award-2025 – Dr. (Smt.) Vandana A. Pulhani Dr. A. K. Ganguly Research and Development Award-2025 – Dr. (Smt.) Minal Y. Nadar Dr. A. R. Gopal Ayengar Young Scientist Award-2025 – Dr. (Smt.) Neena G. Shetake Meritorious Radiation Safety Officer Award-2025 – Dr. Mukesh Kumar Zope Meritorious Operational Health Physicist Award-2025 – Shri Sangameshwar Shivadouda Managanvi (TAPS 3 and 4) and Shri Shreenivas Vaikuntam (BARC, Mumbai) A. K. Ganguly Best Essay Award – First prize – Ms. Sonam Sujit Chavan, Y. C. College, Karad; Second prize – Shri Sadaf, Royal College, Mira Road; Third Prize – Shri Abhishek Devare, SKN Engineering College, Pandharpur, and Ms. Sakshi Patil, Y.C. College, Karad, Maharashtra Dr. A. K. Ganguly – Dr. D. V. Gopinath RPEJ Best Manuscript Award – 2025 - Dr. Sabyasachi Paul et al. for their research article titled “Impact of supporting substrate on the measured neutron yields from natLi (p, n) system: A case study with natC and natTa stopping targets, Radiation Protection and Environment 46 (3):p 73–79, July–September 2023. | DOI: 10.4103/rpe.rpe_35_23. The event was presided over by Shri Raju Mogaveera, Registrar of Mangalore University, who also delivered the Presidential Address. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Manjaiah, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mangalore University. The inaugural function was followed by the formal inauguration of the trade exhibition [Figure 3].Figure 3: Inauguration of the trade exhibition by Shri D. K. Shukla, Chairman of the atomic energy regulatory boardORATION LECTURES The inaugural function was followed by three distinguished memorial oration lectures, presented by eminent scholars in honor of pioneers in radiation protection: the Dr. A. K. Ganguly Memorial Oration by Dr. M. S. Kulkarni, the Dr. K. G. Vohra Memorial Oration by Dr. A. Vinod Kumar, and the Shri Nagaratnam Memorial Oration by Shri Ajay Singh Rathore. Each lecture provided valuable insights into the evolution of radiation protection strategies and their impact on global safety standards [Figure 4].Figure 4: Memorial oration lectures by eminent speakersPANEL DISCUSSION A panel discussion on the conference theme, “Radiation Protection for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: Adapting to Climate and Technological Changes,” was held on the 1st day during the post tea session [Figure 5]. The panel comprised esteemed experts, including Dr. A. Vinod Kumar, Head, EMAD, BARC; Dr. D. K. Aswal, Director, HS and EG, BARC; Dr. K. S. Pradeep Kumar, Former Director, HS and EG, BARC; Shri B. Vinod Kumar, Site Director, KGS, NPCIL; and Dr. Karunakara N., Professor, Mangalore University. The session was highly interactive, with the panelist addressing a broad range of questions from the audience.Figure 5: Panel discussion by esteemed experts on “Radiation protection for sustainable nuclear energy: Adapting to climate and technological changes”ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING The 53rd IARP Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) was held on the evening of January 29, 2025, during which the Annual Report of the Executive Committee (2024) and the audited financial statements for 2023–2024 were reviewed and adopted [Figure 6]. The meeting concluded with a formal discussion on the appointment of auditors. The day ended with a networking dinner.Figure 6: IARP Executive Committee MembersCULTURAL AND NETWORKING ACTIVITIES The second day evening was enriched by a cultural program featuring performances by two distinct groups. The students of the Yakshagana Study Centre, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, showcased the timeless art form of Yakshagana with a creative touch, while another group of talented performers presented a captivating Bharatanatyam dance recital [Figure 7]. The performances highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant displays of traditional dance and drama. The program was followed by dinner at Mangalore University.Figure 7: Cultural program by “Yakshagana Study Centre, Mangalore University, MangalagangotriSCIENTIFIC SESSIONS On the 2nd day, January 30, 2025, the conference began with a plenary lecture by Prof. Y. S. Mayya on “Epidemiological Foundations of Radiation Risk Estimates, Radiation Protection, and Risk Communication.” This was followed by four sessions, each featuring an invited talk, 6 oral presentations, and a poster session of 1 h. The invited talks presented on the 2nd day included: (1) “Health Physics Practice in the Country: Present and Future Perspectives” by Dr. Sureshkumar, HPD, BARC, (2) “Building Resilience: Effective Strategies for Monitoring Internal Contamination in Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies” by Dr. Pramilla Sawant, RSSD, BARC, (3) “Radiation Monitoring Systems for Safe Operation of Fast Reactor Reprocessing Plants” by Dr. Rajan, Director, Fast Reactor Fuel Reprocessing Group, IGCAR, and (4) “Recent International Guidance on Radionuclides in Food and Drinking Water” by Dr. Haridasan, Ex-IAEA. On the 3rd day, January 31, 2025, the IARP-Young Professional Group discussion forum was held, featuring a virtual session with young professionals from IRPA-associated societies in Hybrid Mode. Participants in the virtual session included Takahiko (Japan), Viktoria (Austria), Edwin (Kenya), Riya (India), and Amy (Australia). The session began with welcome remarks by Dr S Anand, Secretary of IARP, followed by an introduction to IRPA by Ms. Takahiko. The forum included reports from young professionals, discussing various networks, their missions, goals, and initiatives, with a focus on resources available to early-career scientists. The discussion also highlighted the importance of collaboration, challenges, and the social impact of these initiatives. The session concluded with a panel discussion and closing remarks by Ms. Riya Dey. The post tea session featured an invited talk by Dr. R. B. Oza, BARC, on “Lessons Learnt from the Consequences of Major Nuclear Accidents.” This was followed by six oral presentations from participants and one presentation from the Heavy Water Board. The post lunch session began with additional oral presentations from participants and concluded with an invited talk by Prof. Karunakara Naregundi, Mangalore University, on “An Update on Carbon-14 Studies at PHWR NPP in Kaiga by CARER.” VALEDICTORY SESSION The event concluded with the Valedictory Function, chaired by Prof P L Dharma, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University, where he expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions. The conference featured 40 oral presentations and over 220 poster presentations, showcasing innovative research and technological advancements in radiation protection. The best oral and poster presentation awards were announced during the valedictory session. The following papers were adjudged as best oral presentations during the conference proceedings and they were awarded certificates [Figure 8].Figure 8: Valedictory Function IARPNC 2025 and Certificate Distribution to Best Oral/Poster Award Winners First Prize: T6044: Application of In-House Synthesized Hydroxyapatite for Uranium Recovery from Acidic Raffinate Samples, C. B. Dusane, Sandeep P, Suchismita Mishra, Sukanta Maity, Subhankar Manna, Anilkumar S. Pillai Second Prize: T6093: Thermal oxidation and liquid scintillation counting method for the carbon-14 determination for quantifying the natural and synthetic components in bio-based products, Arya Krishnan K, Bharath and Karunakara N Third Prize: T4004: Contamination Monitors Calibration System, Athira B Varrier, Preetha T P, M. Menaka Third Prize: T5021: Neutron Fluence Rate Measurements in Experiment Canal of FBTR, Jayesthi Mali, Shobha Ghodke, Sudesh M. Tripathi, Meghnath Sen, Shamim Akhtar, Sneha Chandrasekhar, Probal Chaudhury.The titles of the research papers and the names of the awardees for the best poster presentations are listed below:First Prize: T6036: Charged aerosol dynamics behavior for improving the fast reactor safety assessment during severe accident: Modelling aspects, Usha Pujala, R. Sarangapani, R. Ramar, S. Chandrasekaran Second Prize: T3001: Novel Trilayered Polymer Composite - A radiative protective medical wear, Sherry Shajan Kuttukaran, Ambika M. R, Nagaiah N., Srilakshmi B. P, Deepika D. N Second Prize: T6094: Soil-to-rice transfer factors (Fv) values for stable elements for the Tropical Monsoonal Climate Region of the West Coast of India, R. U. K, Avaneesh, N. Karunakara, P. M. Ravi, N. S. Magesh, T. R. Reshmi, Pavitra V K, Pankaj K Third Prize: T5014: Theoretical estimation of efficiency for Ar-41 measurement in NaI (Tl) detector using GEANT4 code, Lalit K Vajpyee, Saurav, Ras Bihari Rakesh Third Prize: T5026: Design and Development of Neutron Flux Monitor, Vaishali M Thakur, Amit Jain, Praveen Sawant, Probal Chaudhury Third Prize: T6003: Parametric evaluation of matrix influences on detector response across broad range of photon energies, M Margret, S. Chandrasekaran, CV Srinivas, Vidya Sundara Rajan. The event wrapped up on a positive note, leaving participants with enriched perspectives, valuable opportunities for collaboration, and a renewed commitment to advancing radiation protection for a sustainable nuclear future. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.