The 2025 edition of the IRPS will be held in person at Stockholm University, Sweden, from 11-15 August 2025, in co-operation with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and the Centre for Radiation Protection Research (CRPR) of Stockholm University. This will be the second school organised under the the new multi-year agreement between the NEA, SSM and Stockholm University

The programme of the IRPS 2025 is designed to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the international radiological protection (RP) system: how it is intended to be interpreted for application in diverse and emerging circumstances, and how it evolves based on new scientific knowledge and lessons learnt. The school is driven by the same spirit of knowledge transfer as previous editions, aiming to prepare tomorrow's leading experts in radiological protection by learning from today's experts. Comprehensive lectures and illustrative interactive case studies are delivered by renowned experts in the multidisciplinary field of radiological protection.

The IRPS programme has evolved over the last editions to address developments in radiological protection recommendations, standards, and related implementation and practices. The following subjects are covered during the five-day programme:

• The foundation of the international RP framework: understanding the three fundamental principles - justification, optimisation, dose limitation; the three pillars - science, ethics and experience; and key concepts, units and tools; as well as exploring the RP system: past, present, and future;
• Building a system of protection around exposure situations: understanding the articulation of science, international policy and standards.
• Evolving issues: ethics, RP of the environment, stakeholder involvement and public communication.
• State-of-the-art of the RP underlying sciences: exposure to ionising radiation and dosimetry, radiobiology, epidemiology, social sciences.

Sessions are built on a mix of presentations and illustrative case study discussions to introduce practical aspects of the implementation of RP actions. Other aspects such as stakeholder engagement skills are deliberated as an undercurrent of the more technical aspects of these topics.

The programme for the 2025 edition is currently being finalised. For reference, the programme for the 2024 edition can be consulted on this web paged. 

Teaching methods

The teaching for each module is practical, dynamic and interactive. Talks and presentations from radiological protection experts are accompanied by case-based discussions and group exercises. Participants will also have the opportunity to address relevant soft skills.

Lecturers take into account the participants' own experiences to keep discussions directly relevant to their situation and concerns insofar as possible.

Language

All course instruction, course materials and discussions are in English.

Requirements

Candidates have to meet the following two minimum requirements:

1. Proficiency in English (B2 or equivalent), particularly oral communication, which is essential for effective participation in the programme;
2. Relevant professional work experience in the radiological protection field.

Pre-work

Participants are requested to study the learning material provided on the IRPS online platform and to be familiar with a small set of reference documents before the course. Details are sent in due time to participants, together with reference readings.

Certificate

Upon completion of the programme, participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

University credits (ECTS) may also be awarded to participants and will be defined for each IRPS.

Applications for the IRPS are assessed based on the following six criteria:

1. Relevant work experience in radiological protection (RP) – Number of years of experience in the field.
2. Academic background – Highest degree obtained, with consideration of relevance to RP.
3. English proficiency – Ability to communicate effectively in English.
4. Nationality – Consideration of geographic diversity and representation.
5. Gender balance – Ensuring diversity and inclusion in candidate selection.
6. Motivation letter – Clarity of motivation, alignment with the programme’s objectives, and demonstration of commitment to the field.

The registration fee for the 2025 edition of the IRPS is EUR 900.

The registration fee includes admission for the participant to:

• The general lectures and discussion sessions
• Social events, including a welcome reception and a group dinner
• Lunch boxes, which will be provided

Print and electronic reference materials are provided to IRPS participants.

Costs associated with travel, accommodation, insurance, subsistence and similar expenses are not covered by the registration fee and shall be borne exclusively by the participant.

The application is free of charge. Once selected, the registration fee can be paid either: (1) online, using a credit or debit card or (2) by bank transfer. More details will be provided to those selected for the programme. Participation will be confirmed only upon payment in full of the registration fee.

The registration deadline is 18 April 2025.

Funding opportunities

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) provides financial support to a limited number of professionals from its member states who are eligible under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme. If you are considering applying for IAEA sponsorship, please indicate this in the application form.

All participants have access to an online platform with diverse learning materials to prepare prior to the school. This platform is open to admitted participants.

Approaching its seventh anniversary, the IRPS has already offered a distinctive educational opportunity to over 200 young or mid-career professionals and graduate students from around the world across five editions.

Registration is open.

Read more about the NEA International Radiological Protection School (IRPS).