Reflecting a change in funding strategies for European research projects, and a commitment to the idea of responsible research and innovation in radiological protection (RP), a collective of research institutes and universities have developed a prospective Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) in radiological protection. This is the first time such a research agenda has been proposed. This paper identifies six research lines of interest and concern: (1) Effects of social, psychological and economic aspects on RP behaviour; (2) Holistic approaches to the governance of radiological risks; (3) Responsible research and innovation in RP; (4) Stakeholder engagement and participatory processes in RP research, development, policy and practice; (5) Risk communication; and (6) RP cultures. These topics were developed through broad stakeholder consultation, in conjunction with activities carried out in the framework of various projects and initiatives (EU H2020 CONCERT programme, the EU FP7 projects OPERRA, PREPARE and EAGLE, the 2015–2018 RICOMET series of conferences, and the 2014 and 2016 International Symposia on Ethics of Environmental Health); as well as through dialogues with members of the European radiation protection research communities. The six research lines open opportunities to integrate a range of key social and ethical considerations into RP, thereby expanding research opportunities and programmes and fostering collaborative approaches to research and innovation.
Radon in buildings poses a significant health risk, being one of the most important causes of lung cancer deaths worldwide. Acknowledging that successful radon risk management requires engagement of stakeholders, this paper investigated prescriptions and practices for stakeholder participation. First, it points out the need to integrate radon risk management in a holistic approach to indoor air pollution, together with urban planning and energy saving policies. It then argues for establishing more systematic approaches to the involvement of stakeholders in the design, implementation and evaluation of radon actions. Finally, it suggests the development of context specific approaches for the engagement of stakeholders at local and regional level.
For complex radiation protection project, decision-aiding techniques, such as Cost-Benefit Analysis can be used. In 1973, the International Commission on Radiological Protection introduced the “reference monetary value of the man.sievert” to convert the benefit of a radiation protection option (averted exposure) in monetary term for comparison with it is cost. In 2017, an international survey has collected the reference monetary values of nuclear utilities and regulatory authorities. This article presents the data collected and analyzes them. Over the 220 reactors who answered, 176 (80%) are using the concept, expressing its longevity and relevance for optimization purposes. The utilities can use single value or set of reference values varying with the level of exposure. This survey also highlights the emergence of mixed and flexible systems. The collected values are largely spread (ratio 1:10 at least) and this is the opportunity to discuss the influence of the method used to calculate the reference value and notably the related concept of the Value of a human Statistical Life (VSL).
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