PROGRESS ON PROTECTION | COMMENTARY


Protection across seven decades


Throughout the decades covered by NEi, the nuclear sector has undergone a


remarkable transformation from the first generation of commercial reactors to today’s advanced designs. For the past 70 years radiological protection has evolved alongside.


By Kelsey Cloutier, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)


FOR 70 YEARS, NEI HAS chronicled the development of the global nuclear industry. During that same period, radiological protection has evolved alongside nuclear technology, helping ensure that the benefits of ionising radiation can be realised safely and responsibly. Few organisations have accompanied that journey as closely as the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). ICRP traces its origins to 1928, when it was established as


the International X-ray and Radium Protection Committee. At that time, radiation protection focused largely on medical uses of X-rays and radium. Early recommendations, issued simply by year, reflected a growing understanding that while radiation was enabling remarkable advances in medicine, those working with it required appropriate protection. The rapid development of nuclear science after World War II transformed the landscape. In 1950, recognising that ionising radiation was no longer confined to medicine but was becoming central to nuclear energy, industry and research, the organisation was reconstituted as ICRP. As nuclear technologies expanded globally, ICRP’s recommendations did as well. Across successive recommendations, from early post-war


guidance to the numbered publications that followed, ICRP developed what is now known as the System of Radiological Protection. ICRP serves as steward of this system on behalf of the global community. Built on the principles of justification, optimisation, and dose limitation, it provides a framework that allows societies to benefit from nuclear and radiation technologies while managing risk responsibly. Throughout the decades covered by NEi, the nuclear sector has undergone remarkable transformation from the first generation of commercial reactors to today’s advanced designs. For radiological protection, lessons learned from events such as the accident at Chornobyl and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident have informed international approaches to emergency preparedness, existing exposure situations, and long-term recovery. A major milestone came with ICRP Publication 103, issued


in 2007. These General Recommendations consolidated decades of development into a modern System of Radiological Protection. Publication 103 continues to underpin radiation safety frameworks worldwide and influenced the International Basic Safety Standards issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The recommendations emphasise enabling beneficial uses of radiation, including nuclear energy, while ensuring protection of people and the environment. The development of the 2007 Recommendations also marked a shift in how ICRP works. The Commission engaged


stakeholders extensively during drafting, inviting broad consultation and dialogue. Draft publications are now made available for public consultation for at least ninety days before finalisation. Biennial ICRP symposia provide a global forum to discuss emerging issues and engage the international community. ICRP itself has evolved alongside the technologies it helps guide. Today more than 350 volunteer experts contribute to committees, task groups and the Main Commission, supported by a small Scientific Secretariat in Ottawa, Canada. Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, ICRP relies on voluntary contributions while maintaining independence and ensuring recommendations remain grounded in sound science. Looking ahead, ICRP is developing the next set of General


Recommendations, the first comprehensive update in what will be over two decades when they’re published. These will help ensure that the System of Radiological Protection remains fit for purpose as the nuclear sector enters a new phase of innovation, including small modular reactors, advanced reactor technologies, and expanding nuclear programmes. At the same time, the sector faces another challenge: ensuring the next generation of radiological protection professionals. As highlighted in the ICRP Vancouver Call for Action, strengthening education, training, and capacity building in radiological protection is essential to supporting the growing nuclear workforce. As NEi celebrates 70 years of reporting on nuclear progress,


the continued partnership between technological innovation and effective radiological protection will remain essential in supporting the next generation of nuclear development. ■


www.neimagazine.com | April 2026 | 85


ICRP traces its origins to 1928, when radiological protection focused largely on medical uses of X-rays and radium. Today it has evolved with the industry. Source: University of Toronto


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