ICRP Fukushima dialogue seminars: joint learning at many levels

The Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority and representatives from the CERAD Centre of Excellence participated at the majority of the International Commission on Radiological Protection dialogue seminars in Fukushima between 2011 and 2015. The open and sharing structure of the seminars contributed to an unprecedented understanding of the challenges faced by the general public affected by radioactive contamination due to an accident at a nuclear power plant. Most importantly by presentations from people in Fukushima, but also by presentations from lay people in Norway and Belarus who shared their experiences from the Chernobyl accident at several seminars. The seminars created new friendships and connections, which inter alia led to several exchange visits between affected people in Norway and Japan where worries and experiences could be shared in an open and reflective manner. The mix of actors (various experts, authorities, local populations) created joint learning across sectors and levels, representing an invaluable source of knowledge for organisations involved in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and planning.