The 2026 edition of the IRPS will be held in person at Stockholm University, Sweden, from 10-14 August 2026, and will be the eight edition organised in co-operation between the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and the Centre for Radiation Protection Research (CRPR) of Stockholm University. 

The 2026 programme is currently being finalised. In the meantime, you can download the 2025 programme, which follows a similar format.

The programme of the IRPS 2026 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 will be 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 to be 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 will be 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 to be deliberated as an undercurrent of the more technical aspects of these topics.

Teaching methods

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

 Lecturers will 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 will be in English.

Requirements

  Candidates has 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.

Selection criteria

  Candidates will be assessed and the final selection of participants will be based on the following selection criteria:

• Relevant work experience
• English level
• Academic background
• Motivation
• Geographical balance
• Gender balance

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 will be sent in due time to participants, together with reference readings.

Certificate

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

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

Approaching its eight anniversary, the IRPS had already offered a distinctive educational opportunity to over 350 young or mid-career professionals and graduate students from around the world across seven editions.

The registration fee for the 2026 edition of IRPS is €1000 to be paid upon acceptance to the school. The fee covers attendance at the school, as well as lunches and social events scheduled throughout the week

Costs associated with travel, accommodation, insurance, subsistence and similar expenses are not covered by the registration fee.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) awards financial support to a limited number of professionals from its member states that are eligible to receive financial support under the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme. If you intend to apply for IAEA financial support, your application and registration form must be submitted by 16 March 2026, which precedes the general registration deadline.

Deadline for applications: 20 April 2026 | Application Form