Maintaining competence in radiological protection in emergency situations: a challenge for the 21st century

State-of-the-art radiological protection in emergency situations requires specific technical resources, qualified personnel and competence in a variety of scientific and technical areas. In many developed countries a high technical standard is available currently in these areas. There are, however, strong indicators that future expertise is at risk. The indicators are declining university enrolment, dilution of university course content and high retirement expectations of staff members, with little or no replacement planned. This paper describes the underlying problem and makes recommendations for an action plan that includes both short-term actions and a long-term strategy to minimise the emerging risks. A strategic approach will be required to stop the decline and to avoid a drop in competence to an unacceptable level.