From Principles to Practice: WNTI Helps Shape the Future of Radiological Protection

Last week, WNTI was proud to take part in the ICRP 2025 Symposium in Abu Dhabi, where our CEO also attended the Committee 4 meetings as a newly appointed Formal Member of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

The International Commission on Radiological Protection has existed since 1928 and serves as the foundation of the global System of Radiological Protection – shaping much of what we use today in radiation protection, nuclear safety, and nuclear security. Its framework defines key principles such as:

1. Justification – ensuring that activities do more good than harm;
2. Optimisation (ALARA) – keeping exposures As Low As Reasonably Achievable; and
3. Dose Limits, Constraints, and Reference Levels, which guide safe exposure management.

While Committees 1 to 3 focus primarily on the science, Committee 4 plays a crucial role in translating science into practical application. It defines and refines the protection principles, dose criteria, and operational units (such as sieverts and grays) that underpins and has been adopted by in law by almost all member states worldwide.

The meeting in Abu Dhabi was highly productive, with preparations underway for the next set of ICRP Recommendations, which will update the 2007 Recommendations. Workstreams are currently progressing through Task Groups (open for nomination through WNTI being a Special Liaison Organisation) and Working Parties (open to Committee Members only).

Of particular relevance to WNTI and our members are several active workstreams covering:

1. Protection of the Environment and Sustainability – Developing dose criteria and methods for assessing impacts to flora and fauna, along with how sustainability should feed into decision making such as ALARA, reinforcing links between radiological protection and environmental protection and sustainability.
2. Exposure Situations and Criteria – Refining the criteria for planned, existing and emergency exposure conditions, including updated reference levels and dose constraints.
3. Emergency Planning and Malicious Events – expanding to cover wider scenarios such as transport of nuclear and radioactive materials, along with new applications such as Floating, Transportable, and Civil Nuclear Powered Propulsion (FNPPs, TNPPs, CNPPs).
4. Dose Limits – a sensitive area of discussion, as any downward revision could have significant operational implications across the industry.

This appointment gives Professor Bryant visibility across all ongoing workstreams, with responsibilities including:

1. Co-Chair of the Emergency Planning and Malicious Acts Task Group,
2. Critical Reviewer for Environment and Sustainability,
3. Critical Reviewer for Ethics, and
4. Member of the Dose Limits Workstream (once initiated).

This appointment provides WNTI with valuable insight into evolving radiological protection principles and how they may impact nuclear transport and operations globally.

This year’s event brought together experts, regulators, and industry representatives from around the world. Our CEO participated in two sessions:

1. The Plenary on the Vancouver Call for Action and Sustainability, alongside the IAEA, IRPA, and WNA, highlighting the importance of recognising nuclear and radioactive material transport in the revised protection system. Topics covered included new applications, sustainability through reuse of packaging, delays and denials of shipments, and interfaces with nuclear security.
2. The launch of the WNTI Centre, an initiative to create a coordinated international approach to developing nuclear skills, ensuring long-term capability across the sector.

It was also a pleasure to engage with attendees from many countries including Abu Dhabi and Canada exchanging insights on their ongoing work and challenges in the transport of nuclear and radioactive materials. These conversations reinforced the importance of international collaboration, and WNTI looks forward to working closely with partners around the world to support safe, secure, and sustainable transport practices.

Our sincere thanks go to the ICRP Team for hosting such a well-organised and inspiring event.