The 7th European International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) Congress has unveiled the 2026 programme.
Taking place every four years, the event brings together IRPA members to share their experiences and connect with other professionals. The theme of this year’s congress is ‘encouraging collaboration in radiation protection’.
With the release of the programme, the congress has unveiled the full list of technical presentations, refresher courses and workshops from all sectors within radiation protection.
'Step out of our usual roles'
Lynda Johnson, professional officer for clinical imaging and radiation at the SoR, said: “The congress provides networking and radiation safety learning opportunities from all over the world. The programme is really varied yet focuses on the key topics of interest to radiation protection professionals in the UK.”
She emphasised the importance of attending to hear about important, overarching subjects like public engagement and outreach, as well as specific topics, including the International Commission on Radiological Protection review of the system of radiological protection and radiation protection in education and healthcare or the detailed science of dosimetry and measurement
“It’s an opportunity to step out of our usual roles a little and broaden our understanding of how our use of ionising radiations in the nuclear industry, healthcare and education sectors impacts society and the planet,” she added.
“We can all play a part in influencing the future of the system of radiological protection, and SoR is looking forward to hearing the innovations and discussions presented. The programme committee are doing a wonderful job ensuring this congress attracts a diverse and expert audience. SoR has a stand in the exhibition hall, and we welcome anyone to drop by and say hello.”
'Rich with history'
Jim Thurston, chair of the 7th European IRPA Congress Organising Committee and Society for Radiological Protection past president, said: “After much research of UK locations, we all agreed that Liverpool was the perfect location for this major event. With a state-of-the-art theatre and conference centre overlooking the River Mersey, local restaurants within walking distance and the ease of getting to the city, it felt like the perfect place for the European Congress.
“Liverpool is rich with history, which we feel delegates will find of great interest and is also well connected to other popular cities such as Manchester and London. I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to Liverpool in 2026."
This year’s European IRPA Congress will take place at the ACC Liverpool from 1-5 June, following on from the last event in 2022, which took place in Budapest.
Early Bird rates
The Early Bird Rate for registrants to attend all five days of the congress is £600 (plus VAT). For those who are retired, and the Society of Radiological Protections's Rising Generations Group and IRPA's Young Generation Network (those within the first 10 years of their career), the Early Bird Rate is £375 (plus VAT).
From 1 February 2026, the respective rates will be £795 and £450 (plus VAT). Social activities and technical tours to also book include:
Early Bird rate for congress attendance closes on 31 January.
Purchase your tickets and find out more information online here.
(Image: Sian Brown (IPEM), Lynda Johnson & Julie Rankin (SoR), Clare Wray (SRP), flying the IRPA flag at UKIO at ACC Liverpool, via the IRPA)