Health Physics News

George Tabatadze, HPS Director, Science Support Committee

The Science Support Committee of the Health Physics Society (HPS) will once again host its Summer Science Teacher Workshop, a virtual program designed to support middle and high school educators in teaching one of the most widely misunderstood yet essential topics in science: ionizing radiation.

This free, five-hour workshop offers a practical and accessible introduction to radiation science, with a strong emphasis on classroom application. Led by experienced health physics professionals, the program combines clear explanations of fundamental concepts with real-world examples that help students understand how radiation is used safely and effectively across society.

Participants will explore a broad range of topics, including radiation fundamentals, instrumentation, biological effects, and applications in medicine, industry, energy, and everyday life. The workshop also highlights current issues such as radioactive waste and introduces students to career pathways in health physics, helping educators connect classroom content to real opportunities.

A key feature of the program is its focus on hands-on learning. Selected participants will receive a classroom instrumentation kit at no cost, which includes a working Geiger-Mueller counter, safe naturally occurring radiation sources, and ready-to-use teaching materials. These resources are intended to support ongoing instruction well beyond the workshop itself.

Workshop Details

Dates: 21 July and 23 July 2026

Time: 1–3:30 pm Central Time each day

Format: Virtual

Registration fee: Free

Registration deadline: 26 June 2026

Certificates of completion will be awarded.

Instrumentation kits are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Kits will be shipped only within the United States.

Educators interested in strengthening their confidence in teaching radiation science and bringing engaging, evidence-based content into their classrooms are encouraged to apply.

HPS chapter members and officers are encouraged to share this opportunity with local science teachers, school districts, and educational partners. Broad outreach at the local level is essential to ensuring that this program reaches educators who can benefit most and helps expand awareness of radiation science education.

Registration is available here. The deadline to register is 26 June 2026.

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Stars, stripes, and science come together at the 2026 Health Physics Society Annual Meeting (HPS 2026) as the meeting coincides with America’s 250th birthday—the United States Semiquincentennial! To mark this historic occasion, the Baltimore–Washington Chapter Local Arrangements Committee is offering exclusive, patriotic HPS 2026 merchandise.

Stars, Stripes, and Seriously Good Apparel

Show off your HPS pride with bold, American flag-inspired apparel, including navy or white performance polos, navy t-shirts, and navy hats—a sharp, professional look that carries you from opening plenary to the closing session without missing a beat.

Our performance polos feature a comfortable poly/spandex moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch, an embroidered meeting logo with a Capitol-fireworks theme, and additional patriotic details, including red-and-white stripes on the inner collar and a star pattern on the inner placket. Professional and polished enough for the office, flexible enough for health physicists on the move.

The cotton t-shirts and vented snapback hats offer a clean, modern look that’s ideal for a DC-area summer—breathable, stylish, and field-tested by busy health physicists.

Presales Are Open — Don’t Let This Offer Decay Away!

Discounted presale pricing is available through 1 May, with convenient pickup at the conference center 6–9 July 2026 at Gaylord National Harbor, Maryland. Order now through our web store. Ordering early guarantees the size and color you want!

• Navy polos and hats will be available by presale and on-site at the conference in limited quantities and sizes—once they’re gone, they’re gone (no half-life extensions).
• White polos and navy t-shirts are presale only, with no plans for on-site sales.

Gear up, show your stars and stripes, and celebrate 250 years of America with pride, purpose, and HPS spirit. Please contact Matthew Mille for more information.

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The June 2026 issue of the Health Physics journal is now available online for subscribers.

One article per issue of Health Physics is made freely available to nonsubscribers for a limited time (usually 6 weeks).

Read the free June article: “Radiation Protection Policy in a Nuclear Era—Recommendations From Health Physicists in Response to EO 14300” by Emily Caffrey, Charles Wilson, Amir Bahadori, and Shaheen Dewji.

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Deepesh Poudel, Bae Chu, HPS National Harbor Task Force Chairs; Emily Caffrey, HPS Program Committee Chair

The Health Physics Society (HPS) National Harbor Task Force recently met in National Harbor, Maryland, where we reviewed submitted abstracts and finalized the technical program for this year’s annual meeting. We received a strong number of abstract submissions, and through a careful review process, developed a balanced and engaging program that reflects both the breadth of work across our field and emerging topics.

The meeting will take place 6–9 July 2026, with technical sessions scheduled 7–9 July. This year’s program will feature the following, all packed into 2.5 days of programming:

• 28 oral presentation sessions, including 13 special sessions
• 215 talks
• 52 poster presentations

We are excited about the strength of this technical program and the wide range of topics it will cover.

The full program is now live here.

Registration is open here.

We look forward to seeing you all in July at National Harbor!

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Andrew Najjar, MS, CHP, Society Support Committee Chair

We are excited to announce another year of CHP Study Group! Like last year, we will be offering 10 study sessions leading up to both Part I and Part II American Board of Health Physics examinations. There is no cost and all are welcome to attend. The study group will be held virtually 19:00-21:00 EST on the below dates:

We are actively looking for:

1. Participants
2. CHP mentors to help facilitate technical discussion.
3. Volunteers to develop and/or identify study material to be reviewed for a specific session.

For CHP mentors and volunteers, please choose your session based on the topic for effective and efficient learning.

Please email SocSupport.Chair@hps.org to register and for follow-up questions.

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Please join us for the 6th Radiation Epidemiology and Dosimetry Course, hosted by the Radiation Epidemiology Branch of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. This course is intended for people interested in learning about the health effects of radiation exposure. Lectures will begin with fundamentals and progress to topical sessions on medical, occupational, and environmental radiation exposures. A draft of the course agenda can be found on the course website. The course material assumes participants have some familiarity with basic scientific concepts, statistics, biology, and physics.

The course will run 14–17 December 2026 in Rockville, Maryland from 9 am to 5 pm daily. This is an in-person event only. Lectures will be delivered in a large-group format (200+ people). Seating in the main room will be available each day on a first-come, first-served basis, with live streaming to an overflow room. Lectures will be recorded and posted online after the event. Informal lunch and evening gatherings will provide additional opportunities for discussion and networking. Coffee and meals will be on your own.

Registration is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Participants can register on the 2026 Radiation Epidemiology and Dosimetry Course website. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

For course-related questions, please visit the course website or contact Bessie Sinclair or Vibha Vij.

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Antonio Triventi, CHP, HPSSC Chair, HPSSC Special Session Chair

The Health Physics Society Standards Committee (HPSSC) is proud to present a comprehensive day-long two-part special session at the upcoming 71st HPS Annual Meeting in National Harbor on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.

This session is designed to pull back the curtain on the “why” and “how” of technical radiation protection consensus-based standards, offering attendees a first-hand look at the future of both domestic and international developments.

Whether you are looking to understand the technical nuances of specific standards or the high-level strategy behind their development, this session offers a roadmap for the modern health physicist.

Interested in shaping the future? The session will conclude with an interactive panel discussion with the HPS standards development leadership. As our industry evolves to include new ionizing radiation technologies and complex facility designs, your voice and presence are vital.

Get involved by not just embracing the standards, but also helping shape them. To learn more or share your thoughts before the meeting, please reach out to: HPSSC Chair and Special Session Chair Antonio Triventi.

We look forward to seeing you this July at the Gaylord National Resort, Woodrow Wilson D!

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Calling all Health Physics Society (HPS) members who need Department of Transportation (DOT), US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and International Air Transport Association (IATA) shipping refreshers! HPS has partnered with NV5 to offer their DOT Radioactive Materials Shipping Training Course at significant discount and an opportunity to help the HPS. The Academic, Industrial, and Research Radiation Safety (AIRRS) Section has graciously sponsored the foundation of this event to offset costs to you.

For more information and to sign up, click here and use promo code 431HPS.

This specialized program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to meet the strict regulatory requirements set by the DOT, the NRC, and the IATA.

The comprehensive curriculum spans two days, covering topics such as hazardous materials awareness, radiation detection instruments, packaging, labeling, marking, emergency response, and more. This course will not only help you ensure compliance with regulations but also enhance your proficiency and confidence in handling radioactive materials safely. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to stay up to date with the latest industry standards and enhance your professional credentials. Register now using this link.

Day One kicks off with an overview of transporting radioactive materials and a thorough examination of their classification and categorization for regulatory compliance. The course includes engaging class exercises to reinforce key concepts. On Day Two, the focus shifts to function-specific requirements, such as packaging, labeling, placarding, and other hazard communication aspects related to Class 7 (radioactive) materials. It also covers exceptions, NRC requirements for radioactive waste shipments, and the documentation needed for employer certification.

Register today and stay compliant with industry regulations while sharpening your skills. Your commitment to safety is essential, and this course will help you stay at the forefront of your field.

Upon passing a required examination, students are provided a certificate showing they successfully completed the course. This certificate, along with the training manual, may be used to document the training for employer certification, as required by 49 CFR 172.704(d).

For questions about registration, contact HPS Continuing Education Programs Committee (CEP) Chair Charles Wilson or NV5’s Clark Barton.

Interested in sharing your knowledge with the HPS via a webinar or have an idea for something good for the members? Contact CEP Chair Charles Wilson to get it scheduled!

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Sponsorship and exhibit sales for the 71st Health Physics Society Annual Meeting are now open. The meeting will be held 6‒9 July 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland. Many levels of sponsorship opportunities and exhibit hall booth space are available. Please contact exhibits@hps.org to become a sponsor or exhibitor. More information is available in the sponsorship guide.

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Dr. Richard Harvey, Chapter President

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted the Spring 2026 Meeting of the Western New York Chapter of the Health Physics Society (WNYCHPS) on 1 May 2026. The hybrid meeting included HPS President Michael Lewandowski, Troy Meisner (New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection), and Dr. Fred Mis (President, Multi Industrial Services, Inc.).

Lewandowski presented “Radiation Gauging, a Practical Application of Basic Science” and discussed health physics news and updates. Meisiner hosted a “Regulatory Hour” and delivered a presentation regarding New York State Certified Radiation Equipment Safety Officer updates. In addition, Charles Burns, Sara Heim, and Nathan Kishbaugh (New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection) answered queries from attendees. Mis presented his work on “Determination of the Sterilization Capabilities of the Kimtron Box Irradiator to Meet US Food and Drug Yeast and Bacterial Content Levels for Commercial Marijuana Consumption Use.”

The WNYCHPS is grateful to all the presenters for their participation and would like to express our gratitude to Mis and Multi Industrial Services, Inc. for their sponsorship of this meeting. The chapter also thanks Burk & Associates for their continued support of our hybrid chapter meetings.

We warmly invite all members and nonmembers to attend our future meetings in person or engage virtually and connect with fellow health physics colleagues!

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Click here to get your tickets today for the 2026 Health Physics Society (HPS) raffle.

Donate today for a chance to win one of our three prizes:

Top Prize: 50/50 split of all of the money collected after prizes 2 and 3 are paid

2nd Place: $1,000

3rd Place: $500

You can support the HPS and also have a shot at some serious cash this summer! Chances of winning are excellent because only a limited number of entries will be allowed.

This raffle has a twist. It is a 50/50 raffle. The Health Physics Fund and the Top Prize winner will equally split the proceeds minus $1,500 for the 2nd Place and 3rd Place prizes. Click here to get your tickets now; we are only offering 2,000 total tickets for this raffle.

You don’t have to be a member to buy a ticket, but all sales benefit the Society.

The winners will be announced in July at the HPS Members/Business Meeting!

Proceeds from the raffle will support the work of HPS committees and core services—including those focused on education, science support, standards, public information, and professional development—helping to advance initiatives that promote radiation safety, foster collaboration across sectors, and strengthen the professional community.

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Barbara Hamrick, HPS WebOps Editor in Chief

The fix is in place and members can now access the Health Physics journal (the Journal) directly from the hps.org website. Please make sure you are signed in to the website. When you are logged in, the top two buttons on the upper right will read “Profile” and “Logout” ‒ you can then hover over the word “Publications” in the main menu and click on the picture of the Journal. You will arrive at the Journal’s website, signed in and ready to download all the content available there.

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NIR Section 2026 Executive Board

The Health Physics Society’s Nonionizing Radiation (NIR) Section invites all members and interested attendees to join its annual business meeting, scheduled for 8 July 2026. The meeting will take place from 4:30 to 5:15 pm in room Woodrow Wilson D at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

This session provides an important opportunity for NIR Section members to come together, review accomplishments from the past year, and discuss current issues and initiatives relevant to nonionizing radiation. Attendees can expect updates from the section leadership, reports on ongoing projects, and an open forum to share ideas or raise questions about the section’s direction. The agenda will also include planning for future activities and events, as well as the election or announcement of new officers.

Earlier that morning, during our special session, we’ll present the HPS NIR Distinguished Service Award to Jerrold Bushberg, MS, PhD, DABMP—a well-deserved honor. Past recipients include Dr. Ken Foster (2021), Mr. Richard Tell (2019), and Dr. David Sliney (2018).

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the NIR Section, your participation is valuable in shaping the section’s priorities and ensuring the continued advancement of nonionizing radiation safety and research.

And don’t forget—after the business meeting, stick around for the NIR BEER TEAM BONDING SOCIAL EVENT.

Mark your calendar, bring your questions, and join us for a lively and productive afternoon. See you there!

Respectfully,

Ramona Gaza, NIR Section President

Lorna Omenya, NIR Section President-elect

Dewayne Holcomb, NIR Section Past President

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Andrew Najjar, Chapter Secretary

The New England Chapter of the Health Physics Society (NECHPS) will be hosting its annual meeting on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in Waltham, Massachusetts. A virtual option will be offered for a lesser fee for those interested. In addition to great technical talks, this meeting will include a special in-memoriam session to honor the memories of George Chabot and Frank Massé. Reach out to nechps@gmail.com for more information.

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Text and photos by Thomas Johnson

The Central Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Health Physics Society (CRMCHPS) held its annual student technical meeting at Colorado State University. President Matt Gift opened the meeting, Jonathan Hygh was the session chair, with Billy Stephenson ensuring questions could be heard and keeping time. Twenty-five students total gave platform presentations. The presenters were PhD, MS, and undergraduates, representing radiochemistry, health physics, radioecology, and probabilistic risk assessment. More than 45 total persons attended the all-day meeting. The CRMCHPS judges all agreed that the process was difficult, due to the high quality of presentations.

The winners were:

• Best PhD presentation: Emma Reese, “Recovery of Actinides From Di-Isopropylnaphthalene-Based Scintillation Cocktail Through the Employment of Solvent Extraction Techniques” (advisor: Dr. Ralf Sudowe)
• Best MS Presentation: Kristina Yepez, “Save the Pangolins! Cobalt-60 as a Radioactive Deterrent for Pangolin Preservation” (advisor: Dr. Thomas Johnson)
• Best Undergraduate Presentation: Sam Helgerson, “Towards Radium Removal From Saline Wastewaters Using MnO2-PAN Resin” (advisor: Dr. Ralf Sudowe)

The meeting and abstracts were arranged by Jonathan Hygh and Raissa Chunko. Overall, it was one of the largest CRMCHPS meetings to date.

Our chapter would like to thank our affiliate member Lablogic Systems, Inc. for attending the meeting and providing us with its continued support. Our chapter would also like to give a special thank you to the Health Physics Society for awarding us with the HPS Chapter Grant. That grant money directly contributed to supporting meeting and supply costs that allowed us to sustain a key event that fosters student growth, professional networking, and the continued vitality of the health physics community in Colorado and Wyoming.

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Martha Dibblee, Section Newsletter Editor

The Health Physics Society (HPS) Accelerator Section is putting out a call for articles for the second-quarter HPS Accelerator Section Newsletter. The deadline for submitting articles to section Newsletter Editor Martha Dibblee is 31 May 2026. Topics can include decommissioning, new installations, targetry, particle physics, jobs, projects and procedures, or anything related to accelerators.

 

 

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Mark your calendars! The 2026 Health Physics Society (HPS) Annual Meeting is just around the corner, taking place 6‒9 July at the Gaylord National Inner Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

This year’s conference is a must-attend event for our community, offering an exceptional opportunity to connect with peers, exchange knowledge, and get the latest updates in the field. The program is packed with engaging and informative sessions, as well as PEP courses covering a diverse range of topics from Chemical Safety for Health Physicists to a deep dive into Three Mile Island: Past, Present, and Future. Don’t miss the four-part PEP on US Department of Energy Rad NESHAPs Fundamentals. PEP courses often sell out; register now to ensure your spot.

One highlight of the conference is the Plenary Session on 7 July, where attendees will have the chance to hear from two renowned experts in the field:

• Peter Bryant presenting “Radiation Protection for a New Nuclear Era: Lessons From the UK and Insights for Global Deployment”
• John Till discussing “The Remarkable Success of Radiation Protection for America’s Atomic Veterans”

Don’t wait! Register for the conference before the 6 June deadline to secure the early-bird pricing. As an added incentive, all early-bird registrants will be entered into a drawing for FREE registration to the 2027 meeting in Tacoma, Washington! You can register HERE.

Also, be sure to book your hotel room at the Gaylord National Inner Harbor soon. The deadline for the special discounted room rate is fast approaching, so we strongly recommend reserving your accommodation as quickly as possible. Go HERE to book a room.

This year’s 2026 HPS Annual Meeting promises to be a thought-provoking and enriching experience for all radiation safety professionals in attendance.

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The May course offerings have been posted on the Courses page of the HPS website. Information on the following courses is available:

Health Physics Statistics Online Training Course — ORAU’s Professional Training Programs

Applied Health Physics Training — ORAU’s Professional Training Programs

Laser Safety Officer (LSO) Training — Kentek Corporation

Facility Decommissioning Training Course — Argonne National Laboratory

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Catch up with the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) in the latest IRPA Bulletin!

The March issue of the IRPA Bulletin is posted on the IRPA website, and it’s a great time to catch up on the latest news! This issue is heavily focused on the Montreal Fund, which is used to support the attendance of young professionals from developing countries at IRPA Congresses. The most exciting part—Kevin Nelson, IRPA16 president and current Executive Council member, has generously offered to match individual contributions made to the Montreal Fund in 2026, up to a total aggregate of $4,000 USD!

We also welcome our latest Associate Society, the Congolese Radiation Protection Association (ACORAP); summarize the great event that was the IRPA webinar on Women in Radiation Protection; and more.

Want to get the IRPA Bulletin and other important IRPA news directly to your inbox each quarter? Sign up here to be added to our mailing list or follow us on LinkedIn.

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Shannon Neff, Chapter Secretary

The San Diego Chapter of the Health Physics Society recently gathered for a potluck hosted at a member’s home. The event provided an excellent opportunity for members and their guests to connect in a relaxed setting while enjoying a variety of delicious food.

During the gathering, attendees celebrated the upcoming retirement of longtime member Barbara Hamrick, recognizing her many contributions to the chapter and to the field of health physics. Members and guests enjoyed engaging discussions on a variety of health physics topics, professional experiences, and personal milestones, making the event both meaningful and enjoyable.

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Christopher L. Royce, CHP, Section President

The Instrumentation Section is being revitalized and is looking forward to engaging the Health Physics Society (HPS) membership on what you would like to see from the section. We will be working on providing up-to-date and relevant information regarding radiation detection information. What would you like to see us provide to membership and the public? We have developed a survey we ask you to complete and provide us your feedback. While you are at it, check out our Instrumentation Section page on the HPS website. Don’t hesitate to shoot us an email at Instrumentation@HPS.org. We look forward to hearing from you and serving the instrumentation needs of the HPS.

Our survey can be accessed using the QR code or by clicking here:

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The annual John Horan Health Physics Symposium, planned jointly by the Great Salt Lake Chapter and Idaho Chapter of the Health Physics Society (HPS), was held 9‒10 April 2026 at the University of Utah (U of U). The symposium is named in honor of John Horan, an influential health physicist at the Idaho National Laboratory, past president of the HPS, and key player in the recovery following the 1961 SL-1 reactor accident. John passed away in 1999 but his legacy lives on.

The meeting reflected the excitement of the country’s nuclear resurgence, drawing one of its largest crowds in years with over 100 attendees. National experts, researchers, and state and federal leaders came together to examine the changing nuclear landscape and the strain on the radiation safety workforce. This year’s event featured an evening reception and poster session on 9 April followed by an all-day technical session on 10 April. Attendees were also able to tour the U of U’s state-of-the-art cyclotron facility, proton therapy unit, and TRIGA reactor.

Thanks to the generous support of the Power Reactor Section (PRS) and the Academic, Industrial, and Radiation Research (AIRRS) Section of the HPS, students from Colorado State University (CSU), Idaho State University, the College of Eastern Idaho, Alcorn State University, and the U of U were able to attend. Students were well represented at the poster session, highlighting a range of exciting work.

The symposium featured a lineup of accomplished speakers, including Jeremy Pearson of the Utah Office of Energy Development, Wendi Secrist from the Idaho Workforce Development Council, Seth Kanter from the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory, and Tony Brown from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Thomas Folk from the National Reactor Innovation Center and Ted Goodell from the U of U TRIGA reactor facility provided overviews of advancements in nuclear reactor technologies and proposed growth in the commercial and research sectors. Kathyrn Higley, distinguished professor at Oregon State University and president of the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), discussed the critical role that the NCRP plays in setting national standards and the importance of the on-going Million Person Study. Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Jeff Yap highlighted the rapid rise of radioactive cancer treatments and advancements in PET imaging.

Given the potential growth in nuclear technologies and changes in regulations, Thomas Johnson of CSU provided an insightful overview of workforce needs and the status of health physics educational programs, as well as the important role that CHP and NRRPT certification can play. In addition, Ralf Sudowe of CSU discussed challenges faced in the radiochemistry workforce and educational programs. The final symposium program can be viewed on the University of Utah Environmental Health and Safety website:

The symposium benefited greatly from the support of sponsors United Imaging, Ludlum Measurements, LabLogic, Mirion Technologies, and ThermoFisher Scientific. The event was a great educational and networking opportunity!

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Steve Grimm, AIRRS Section President

Upcoming Training Available to HPS Members

The Health Physics Society (HPS) Academic, Industrial, and Research Safety (AIRRS) Section is happy to be sponsoring the following upcoming training sessions for HPS members:

• “Lessons Learned From 15 Years of Using the Software Tool Integrated Modules for Bioassay (IMBA) for Internal Dosimetry” free webinar, 13 May 2026, 1‒3 pm EST. Register here.
• DOT/NRC/IATA Transportation of Radioactive Materials, 12-hour class, 26‒27 May2026. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements, special rates, and registration instructions on this training from the Continuing Education Programs Committee.

We encourage our section members to take advantage of these opportunities. If you would like to see a webinar on a particular subject or discussion of a current health physics topic, reach out to airrs@hps.org.

Open AIRRS Section Board Positions

No experience required! AIRRS needs volunteers to fill three Section Board positions open:

1. Treasurer (three-year term ‒ one year as treasurer-elect, two years as treasurer)
2. Board Member (three-year term)
3. Board Member (three-year term)

If you’re interested in volunteering for one of these positions, please submit your nomination (including a brief biosketch and professional photo) to airrs@hps.org by 15 May 2026.

Self-nominations are accepted. All candidates for officers and board members must be HPS AIRRS Section members in good standing to run. Elections for these Section Board positions will be held in May. Terms begin after the July HPS annual meeting. Please contact us if you have any questions about serving on the Section Board.

Comments Needed for Proposed NRC Revisions

AIRRS is requesting comments from its members to proposed Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rules relevant to the section.

Executive Order (EO) 14300, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” signed by President Donald J. Trump on 23 May 2025, directed the NRC to undertake a review and wholesale revision of its regulations and guidance documents, issue notice(s) of proposed rulemaking effecting this revision within nine months of the date of this order, and issue final rules and guidance to conclude this revision process within 18 months of the date of this order.

• A list of the NRC rules and the relevant HPS sections can be found here.
• A link to information about the executive order is here: EO14300 and the Advance Act.

Please email Comments to the AIRRS Board at least 14 days before the respective deadline. All the comments will be consolidated and submitted to the Government Relations Committee and the Executive Committee to develop a response from HPS.

Want to get involved?

There’s a lot of work to be done in the AIRRS Section. If you don’t wish to serve on the Board but would still like to pitch in and help out, please contact us!

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Health Physics journal readers: please take a few minutes to complete our readership survey so we may better serve you with the content you are looking for.

 

 

 

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Text and photos by Thomas Johnson, CSU Student Branch Advisor

Four Colorado State University (CSU) students participated in the 2026 John Horan Health Physics/Radiation Safety Symposium held at the University of Utah 9‒10 April 2026. Additionally, Drs. Ralf Sudowe and Tom Johnson gave presentations at the meeting. Attendance at the meeting was only made possible by the generosity of the Great Salt Lake and Eastern Idaho Health Physics Society (HPS) Chapters and the HPS Power Reactor Section. CSU’s participation would not have been possible without the encouragement of the organizers, Fred Monette, CHP, and Seth Kanter, CHP.

CSU students also participated in the Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC) 2026 Research Day Symposium held at the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus on 15 April. Five students presented posters, with one giving a platform presentation. Two students (Anilu and Billy) tied for best poster award from the Central Rocky Mountain Chapter of the HPS!

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Health Physics Society (HPS) President Emeritus Nolan Hertel has been selected as the recipient of the Randall S. Caswell Award for Distinguished Achievements in the Field of Ionizing Radiation Measurements and Standards by the Council on Ionizing Radiation Measurements and Standards (CIRMS).

The CIRMS stated in its letter to Hertel:

“Your contributions to radiation protection and measurement science have been truly remarkable. As a pioneer in neutron dosimetry and radiation shielding, you have shaped international standards through your leadership on key committees, including the ANSI – American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society 6.1.1 working group on fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients and the development of ICRU Report 95, which established operational quantities for external radiation exposure.

“Your tenure as CIRMS President advanced national measurement standards, while your three decades at Georgia Institute of Technology and work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have left an indelible mark on our field.”

CIRMS went on to say that Hertel‘s dedication while supervising over 80 graduate student PhD dissertations and MS theses and his innovations in detector materials and radiation detection instruments “exemplifies the kind of impactful leadership that the Caswell Award celebrates.”

The Randall S. Caswell Award was presented on 15 April 2026 at the CIRMS annual meeting, where Hertel delivered the Caswell Award Lecture. More information about the award can be found on the CIRMS website.

Congratulations to our very own, HPS President Emeritus Nolan Hertel.

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The Editorial Board of the Health Physics journal has selected the paper “A Novel Shielding Device for Cardiac Cath Labs” (Health Physics 28[1]:52-59, January 2025) as the 2025 winner of the Michael T. Ryan Outstanding Paper of the Year Award. Authored by Lancer Smith, Emily Caffrey, and Charles Wilson, this paper was selected from among all those published in Health Physics in 2025. The papers were judged on scientific merit, accuracy, balance, innovation, and impact.

The Michael T. Ryan Outstanding Paper of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Michael T. Ryan, who served as the Editor in Chief of the Health Physics journal from 1999 to 2017.

“A Novel Shielding Device for Cardiac Cath Labs” is available to Health Physics Society members.

Congratulations to the authors!

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Jim F. Herrold, CHP, RRPT, Chair, United States Technical Advisory Groups for ISO/TC 85 and ISO/TC 85/SC

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a federation of national standards bodies. US participation in ISO is through accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs)[1]. The scope of ISO Technical Committee 85 (ISO/TC 85) is “standardization in the field of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, nuclear technologies and in the field of the protection of individuals and the environment against all sources of ionising radiations[2].”

Every two years, selected participating countries host meetings of ISO/TC 85, subcommittees, and working groups. For 2026, the US Nuclear Technical Advisory Group (NTAG) is hosting ISO/TC 85 17‒21 August. This event will bring together stakeholders (Industry & Commerce, Government, Consumers, Labor, Academic & Research Bodies, Standards Application, and Non-governmental Organizations) nominated by their participating member countries in the following crucial areas:

• ISO/TC 85 (Nuclear energy, nuclear technologies, and radiological protection)
  • 27 participating countries, 21 observing countries, 2 working groups, 11 standards
• ISO/TC 85/SC 2 (Radiological protection)
  • 31 Participating countries, 11 observing members, 12 working groups, 132 standards
• ISO/TC 85/SC 5 (Nuclear installations, processes and technologies)
  • 23 Participating countries, 9 observing members, 5 working groups, 88 standards
• ISO/TC 85/SC 6 (Reactor technology)
  • 20 Participating countries, 9 observing members, 3 working groups, 23 standards

Although the meetings are coordinated by ANSI and ISO, the NTAG receives no financial support from these institutions. The Health Physics Society (HPS), through the HPS Standards Committee, pays for HPS members’ NTAG fees and reimburses some travel expenses to ISO/TC 85 meetings. Kudos to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which has graciously offered the use of their facilities this year. However, the costs for providing the usual meeting extras – such as coffee breaks, lunches and a social event – must be covered through solicitation of outside sponsors.

Please note: Participation in meetings is limited to officially registered country delegates (not open to the public), but sponsors may host a table at events such as coffee breaks and the social reception.

Why should you sponsor?

• Showcase your leadership in nuclear energy, emerging technologies, and radiological protection.
• Engage directly with international delegates and technical experts.
• Increase visibility among government, academic, and industry stakeholders.
• Support the advancement of global standards and innovation.

Suggested sponsorship options

• Gold – $7,500 (includes Silver plus recognition at social reception)
• Silver – $3,500 (includes Bronze plus recognition at coffee breaks)
• Bronze – $1,000 (includes a table at coffee breaks/reception and recognition on banners)

Contacts

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact US NTAG Administrator Steve Mawn.

For general inquiries about ISO/TC 85 participation, contact:

• ISO/TC 85 and ISO/TC 85/SC 2 TAG Chair Jim Herrold,
• ISO/TC 85/SC 5 TAG Chair Mike Brisson,
• ISO/TC 85/SC 6 TAG Chair Michael LaFontaine, or
• HPS Standards Committee Chair Antonio Triventi.

[1] https://ansi.org/iso/us-representation-in-iso/introduction

[2] https://www.iso.org/committee/50266.html

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Thomas Johnson, CSU Student Branch Advisor

Colorado State University (CSU) had a very busy March and beginning of April! We kicked off the month with several students and a professor from Fukushima University performing research with our graduate students. Next, five graduate students attended a two-week short course at Hirosaki University. One of our undergraduates was awarded best STEM presentation at the Multicultural Undergraduate Research Art and Leadership Symposium (MURALS), and finally, on 1 April we had an outstanding seminar from Idaho National Laboratory’s Seth Kantor, CHP. Thank you again to all our wonderful alumni and friends who have made donations to help make CSU the best!

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Wayne Glines, Health Physics News Contributing Editor

Netflix is currently showing a five-part drama series, titled Radiation Emergency, on the 1987 radiological accident in Goiânia, Brazil. This accident involved the abandonment of a cesium-137 (Cs-137) (in the form of a highly soluble and readily dispersible cesium chloride salt) teletherapy unit. This unit was subsequently partially disassembled, and the source capsule ruptured, resulting in the widespread contamination of Cs-137 and the direct deaths of four individuals.

This Netflix series follows the course of the accident, the extent of the contamination, the response following discovery of the contamination, and the impact on effected communities.

I would be most interested in Health Physics Society members’ “critique” of the historical accuracy and presentation of this series, as well as opinions as to whether this series would be useful to radiological protection professionals, regulatory authorities, or the general public. Please provide any critiques, comments, and opinions, to me at wglines34@charter.net. Based on the response, I will issue an article summarizing the response.

For those who are interested, there are numerous reports and accounts of this accident in the literature. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has published two reports devoted to this accident: IAEA Report (1988) and IAEA TECDOC-1099. The January 1991 issue of the Health Physics journal was devoted to the Goiânia accident. Also, several years ago, the Herbert M. Parker Foundation hosted a Parker Lecture on this accident by Dr. Luiz Bertilli, who was directly involved in the recovery actions for Goiânia.

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Wayne Glines, Health Physics News Contributing Editor

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident and the 15th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. On 27 April 2026, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) will host global radiological protection experts in presenting the webinar Lessons for Radiological Protection from the Chornobyl NPP and Fukushima Daiichi NPP Accidents.

Since 1986, the ICRP has followed the consequences of these events, reviewing health effects, environmental and non-human biota impacts, and social impacts, assessing their implications for radiological protection and issuing several publications reflecting the lessons learned from these and other radiological events. In this webinar, members from ICRP Committees 1, 2, and 4 will present an overview of key scientific and practical insights from these two major accidents and summarize their impact on radiological protection worldwide. These presentations will be followed by a moderated discussion with international organizations, exploring the central questions: Are we better prepared to protect people and the environment in situations of radiological accidents? What have we truly learned from these accidents?

As with all ICRP digital events, registration is free; however, participants and organizations are encouraged to purchase a paid option wherever possible.

Please visit the event page where you can read the full program and register for the webinar.

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We are saddened to report that Health Physics Society (HPS) member Todd Davidson died 20 March 2026. An In Memoriam piece has been posted on the HPS website.

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Mike Lewandowski, FHPS, CHP, HPS President

In response to Executive Order 14300, ”Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” the NRC is releasing proposed rules over the next weeks and months. Many of these proposals will impact Health Physics Society (HPS) members. The public comment period is expected to be quite short and in order for HPS to be able to submit appropriate comments, we need to have an agile response process.

Directors will be contacting each of their assigned technical sections to ask for the sections to take the lead in reviewing the proposed rules and prioritizing an HPS response (see table at the end of this article for possible assignments). Each technical section should take the lead on reviewing proposed rules that affect their fields. The section should prioritize their comments and submit their proposed responses to their director with a copy to the chair of the Government Relations Committee no less than two calendar weeks before the response deadline. The director will forward the proposed response to the Executive Committee. The Government Relations Committee will review the section comments, add their thoughts, and forward to the Executive Committee within one calendar week.

The table at the end of this article suggests sections to take an active role in reviewing and commenting on the proposed rules. This does not mean that any section cannot comment on any proposed rule. In some situations, multiple sections are listed in the table. The first section listed is considered the lead section, but the other sections may also be significantly affected by the proposed rule. All comments from sections are welcome. Nearly half of these proposed rulemakings address areas of interest to the Power Reactor Section and, in some cases, the proposals are limited to commercial nuclear reactors. In this case it may be unreasonable to expect the Power Reactor Section to provide comments on these rules. It is possible that the proposals may only tangentially touch on radiation safety. I expect other organizations, including the American Nuclear Society, the Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations, will submit appropriate comments in those areas and HPS does not need to weigh in on proposals that are not focused on radiation safety.

The proposed rulemaking titled “Reforming and Modernizing the NRC’s Radiation Protection Framework” is the part that addresses ALARA and the Linear No-Threshold model. All sections are invited to submit comments. In addition, the Government Relations Committee may also review the proposed rules and create a draft response. The Government Relations Committee is responsible for proposing any HPS comment on revised rules which are published as Final or Direct Final.

The Executive Committee will be responsible for formatting the response into a document signed by the president and submitting the response to the NRC. Responses which are consistent with the published HPS Positions and Position Statements will be submitted without additional Board review or approval. Comments which deviate from the published Positions or Position Statements will require Board approval and likely will not be able to meet the expected short turnaround time for public comment. However, this situation may identify areas where the Board needs to review or reconsider existing Positions.

If you have questions regarding any specific policy or the actions of the Board, please contact me.

 

NRC Proposed Rules and HPS Section Assignments

Rule	Parts	Planned Release Date	Section
Licensing Requirements for Microreactors and Other Reactors with Comparable Risk Profiles	1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 30, 40, 50, 57, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 95, 140, 150	3/23/2026	Power Reactor
Modernizing NRC Regulations for Byproduct Material Use	30, 31, 32, 34, 39, 70	4/1/2026	Decommissioning, AIRRS
Modernizing Requirements Relating to the Physical Protection of Category 1 and Category 2 Quantities of Radioactive Material	37	4/1/2026	AIRRS, Medical HP
Modernizing Materials Licensing	30, 37, 40, 70, 72, 140	4/6/2026	Power Reactor
NRC Reviews of Reactor Designs Previously Authorized by U.S. Department of Energy or Department of War	50	4/9/2026	Power Reactor
Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act	51	4/9/2026	Environmental/Radon, Power Reactor
Modernizing Reactor Licensing, Safety Oversight, and Siting Practices	2, 50, 51, 52, 54, 71, 100	4/20/2026	Power Reactor
Reducing Barriers to Medical Use Licensing	35	4/27/2026	Medical HP
Reforming and Modernizing the NRC’s Radiation Protection Framework (ALARA and LNT)	19, 20, 34, 35, 40, 50, 61, 71, 72, 150	4/30/2026	All Sections
In Situ Recovery Monitoring and Decommissioning Timeliness	30, 40, 61, 70, 72, 73, 150	5/5/2026	Decommissioning, Environmental/Radon
Modernizing Package Certification Requirements	71	5/13/2026	Power Reactor, AIRRS
Modernizing Security Requirements	26, 50, 52, 72, 73, 95	5/18/2026	Power Reactor
Regulatory Enhancements for Reactor Licensing, Decommissioning, and Operational Oversight	20, 21, 50, 52, 55, 70, 72, 75	6/5/2026	Power Reactor
Integrated Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal	20, 61, 73, 150	6/30/2026	Decommissioning, Power Reactor, AIRRS, Environmental/Radon

 

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Wayne Glines, Health Physics News Contributing Editor

On 9 April 2026, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Task Group 111 will host a workshop to present its draft report on Factors Governing the Individual Response of Humans to Ionising Radiation. Please click here for additional information, to access the draft report (which is currently open for public consultation until 1 May), and to register for this event.

As with all ICRP digital events, registration is free; however, participants and organizations are encouraged to purchase a paid option wherever possible.

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Do you have professional health physics books you no longer use but that would be helpful to someone else in the field? As you are doing a year-end cleaning at your home or office, consider listing the books you want to share on HP Professional Book Sharing page of the Health Physics Society website.

Are you looking for professional health physics books, but have a limited budget? Peruse the titles on the page and see if any fit your needs. Then contact the person giving away the book to arrange shipping. The book giver and receiver are responsible for arranging and paying for shipping.

To have your book listed on the sharing page, email the Health Physics Society news editor a photo of the cover; the title, author, publisher, and publication date; and your email address.

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Join the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) for our first Refresher Webinar of 2026! Our Education and Training Task Group is pleased to have prepared this webinar, which will take place on 9 April 2026. Hannah Scott-Rees will be presenting “Radiation Shielding in Interventional Radiology: Wearable Lead, Devices and Barriers.” Click here for more details, including the link to free registration!

 

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Mike Lewandowski, FHPS, CHP, HPS President and Awards Committee Chair

In January we announced the call for nominations for Health Physics Society (HPS) awards. Several nominations have been emailed to the Awards Committee and we’re happy to announce that we have published a Google form to more easily track the nominations. Please submit all future nominations using this form. The form will prompt you for all required information and will let you click a link to upload the necessary documents to a Dropbox established for this purpose. Please contact me or any member of the Awards Committee if you have questions.

As a reminder, following is a list of HPS awards and nomination deadlines. You can find details for each of these awards in Section 13 of the HPS Rules and on the Awards page of our website.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the following awards is 1 March:

• Distinguished Public Service Award
• Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award
• Elda E. Anderson Award
• Fellow Award
• Founders Award
• Geoffrey G. Eichholz Outstanding Science Teacher Award
• Robley D. Evans Commemorative Medal

The deadline for submitting nominations for the Student Science Award is 30 May.

If you have questions about the nomination process, please contact me at awards.chair@hps.org.

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