SRP Annual Conference – Aberdeen

We headed to Aberdeen in May for the SRP Annual Conference. It was the second time we exhibited at the conference and it didn’t disappoint with enquiries including personal protective equipment in healthcare, the development of workstations within nuclear medicine, as well as interest from the nuclear power sector who want to use the density of lead as a material to minimise wall thickness.

It’s been a busy 12 months following our first exhibition in 2016 during which – with the expertise of SRP members – we have launched a RIBA accredited CPD workshop on Ionising Radiation for architect firms, supported the SRP at the Shielding Course in Warrington and also sponsored a PPE protection guide published by the British Institute of Radiology.

This year’s SRP Annual Conference was once again insightful not only in keeping abreast of new developments in the industry but also learning of the Society’s goals under the leadership of Amber Bannon. The new president is planning an outreach programme to ensure the public are better informed about radiation and also has ambitions to engage school children in the exciting world of science.

Lord Carlyle, who has recently become the society’s first patron also delivered some interesting facts when it comes to the world of science. Did you know for example, that the UK does not currently have a single MP who is also a working scientist?  And only 26 of over 600 MPs have a BSc rather than a BA.  Part of Lord Carlyle role for the society is to give access to government so the radiation protection sector has more of a voice in the future.  This would include discussions over the UK’s possible exclusion from Euratom, the EU committee responsible for setting standards to protect EU citizens from ionising radiation.

Despite the challenges we may be facing arising from Brexit, there were a huge amount of positives to take from this year’s conference. All of us at Midland Lead look forward to being part of it again next year.