Unification:

A Shared Commitment to Radiation Protection

In the three months since our last edition, I have been reflecting on how incredible this association really is—and I have members who tell me so often.

Top of mind for me during this blazing summer was the success of our 45th annual conference—the joint Symposium on Radon and Radiation Protection hosted by both the Canadian Radiation Protection Association (CRPA) and the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST).

I must commend the local organizing committee in Saskatoon for delivering a very successful and unforgettable conference. The dedication to learning from one another really shined through. Conversations that might have otherwise taken place within our own individual disciplines became opportunities to listen, to exchange knowledge and ideas, and to do so much more. The practical experiences—like the training sessions and the field trips to a radon mitigation site, the Canadian Light Source (synchrotron), and various research labs—were just as valuable as the formal presentations and vendors’ trade show, reminding us that some of the most important learning in radiation protection happens through discussion, collaboration, and the sharing of lessons learned (and pub crawls!).

The focus on radon was particularly timely, as radon continues to be an important public health and radiation protection issue. In this edition of the CRPA Bulletin, honorary life member Jing Chen highlights a radon-related presentation given at the joint CRPA and CARST Symposium by a representative from the China Society of Radiation Protection (CSRP). This fall, Jing will represent CRPA, CARST, and Health Canada at the Asian Radiation Protection conference in Beijing. The symposium reminded us that radiation protection in Canada is strengthened when we work collectively, and Jing is showing the world exactly this.

For me, the symposium was an opportunity to consider not only the technical aspects of radon measurement and mitigation, but also the broader challenge of translating knowledge into effective action. As I was travelling to Saskatoon, I received my first worker inquiry about radon testing in the workplace; so, I had a personal motive to learn more. And I am so glad I did. I am currently developing my institution’s radon monitoring program, which will be implemented this winter with the help of several connections I made at the conference. Timing is everything!

Our connections are growing as well. We wrote previously about our continuing efforts to form agreements and memoranda with international sister societies, and our International Liaison Committee has done it again! In this edition of the Bulletin, you can read about our new memorandum of understanding with the Société française de radioprotection (SFRP).

Additionally, as with every post-conference edition, you will find updates on our annual award winners, the latest recipient of an Honorary Life Membership, and the Founders’ Award winner. You will also read about the retirement of our archivist.
So, my highlights have been threefold: (1) basking in the hot summer sun’s UV radiation for three glorious months, (2) celebrating the accomplishments of our students and members nationally and internationally, and (3) being especially encouraged by the sense of community that unfolded throughout the symposium.

Professional associations are at their best when they do more than provide a platform for sharing information—when they create connections, encourage mentorship, support professional development, and give members a sense that they are part of something larger than their individual roles or organizations. I really hope this collegiality continues. While CRPA and CARST have distinct histories and identities, our shared commitment provides a considerable opportunity for collaboration and continued growth.

Thanks for reading!