2020-04-01
As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the entire world, ICRP is also affected. While the office of the Scientific Secretariat is closed, we continue to manage the day-to-day business of ICRP from our homes. This includes publishing Annals of the ICRP. You should see the next issue, on paediatric phantoms, in a matter of weeks.
Most of our Task Groups also continue their efforts without too much disruption as we are used to working via email and video conferencing. Nonetheless, some face-to-face Task Group meetings are being converted to video meetings, slowing but not stopping progress. In addition, many ICRP members, especially but not only those in the health sector, have turned their attention to fighting the coronavirus. We are extremely grateful for their heroic efforts.
With the postponement of IRPA15, the Main Commission meeting planned for Seoul in May has been cancelled. Most Main Commission business has been tabled until the next meeting, planned for Rome in November. However, we have mechanisms in place to continue essential work, and approvals for consultation and publication of reports.
Since we are still working, don’t forget to send comments on the two draft reports now out for consultation. Comments on the detriment report are due 1 May 2020, while the comments on the plutonium and uranium report 5 June 2020.
Thank you to everyone for doing your part to fight the pandemic, from the front line medical staff to those providing other essential services, and all of us practicing good hygiene and strict physical distancing.
For more information on our day-to-day business, or how you can assist ICRP through these uncertain times, please contact Kelsey Cloutier, Development and Communications Manager for ICRP.