! 2 workshops in 1 !
PODIUM Dissemination workshop and EAN 19th workshop Innovative ALARA Tools
Athens, Greece, 26 and 27 – 28 November 2019
2nd announcement with preliminary programme here
registration website here
Aims and objectives of the workshops
Innovations in instrumentation, computing and information technology have provided numerous tools for improving our day-to-day lives. In the same way, new and innovative approaches to radiation protection (RP) could also be developed, in particular in the ALARA process. However, as with most new technologies, issues and challenges need to be identified and tackled. The PODIUM Project and the European ALARA Network have come together to organize a joint workshop to present PODIUM results, innovative ALARA tools and discuss broadly their use in advancing RP and ALARA.
PODIUM Workshop (26 Nov. 2019)
The main aim of the PODIUM project is the development of an online dosimetry application based on computer simulations without the use of physical dosemeters. Real movements of exposed workers captured by tracking tools have been used together with Monte Carlo simulations for the development of the application. The methodology has been applied in two crucial workplaces where improvements in dosimetry are urgently needed: neutron and interventional radiology workplaces. The availability of advanced online dosimetry applications such as these in the radiation protection field will increase awareness among workers and should improve the implementation of the ALARA principle.
During the dissemination of the project results's workshop, emphasis will be given on how exposed workers can be trained by using real-time dose results to effectively apply the ALARA principle.
EAN Workshop (27-28 Nov. 2019)
The objectives of the European ALARA Network workshop are:
- to present and review recent and emerging "innovative ALARA Tools” used in the different steps of the ALARA process: e.g. radiological characterization and evaluation of the exposure, planning and decision phases and follow-up and feedback.
- to investigate the benefits of the tools and identify potential limits in their application;
- to disseminate the knowledge on innovative ALARA Tools in support of the ALARA process;
- to investigate how innovative ALARA Tools and innovation may (re)shape the ALARA process for the next years: evolution or revolution?
A significant part of the EAN Workshop is devoted to discussions in Working Groups (each participant can participate in one Working Group). The provisional topics for discussion by the Working Groups are:
- Are there specific challenges in the ALARA process that may be solved by innovative “ALARA Tools” (under development or to be developed)?
- Are there specific issues which may limit the development and/or the use of innovative “ALARA Tools” (technical, legislative, ethical etc.)? How to deal with these issues?
- What is the role of the radiation protection professionnals (RPEs/MPEs/ RPOs, ...) with respect to these tools?
- There is currently a lot of focus on research and innovation in areas beyond that of traditional RP research, notably artificial intelligence. Does IA have the potential to shape the ALARA process in the next year?
The workshop conclusions and recommendations will summarise the main points of the presentations and the discussions held during the Working Groups.
In practice
Second announcement (with programme) of the workshops is available.
The workshop was hosted by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE) at the Congress Center of the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (Patr. Gregoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Athens).
Presentations
Session 1 - Innovative ALARA tools in radiological characterization and first evaluation (Chair: Mr. F. Vermeersch)
- Introduction and setting the scene (F. Vermeersch, SCK•CEN)
- Use of drones in the assessment of uncommon exposure situations (J. Camps, SCK•CEN)
- Personal dose computation using monitoring systems and 3D cameras (M. Abdelrahman, SCK•CEN)
- The Way of CEN - Dose Assessment for Construction Products (B. Hoffman, BfS)
- In-vivo incorporation of radionuclides of workers: measurements vs. evaluation with GEANT4 (S. Medici, IRA)
Session 2 - Innovative ALARA tools in planning and decision (Chair: Mr. S. Andresz)
- The VISIPLAN software: to perform dose assessment under different scenarios (F. Vermeersch, SCK•CEN)
- ALARA, Ethics, the ICRP System and Innovation: Aligned? (Prof. J. Malone, Trinity College Dublin; Ireland)
- Introduction to working groups (S. Andresz, CEPN)
- Artificial intelligence in interventional techniques (Prof. E. Efstathopoulos, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)
- Decision aiding tools considering multiple criteria (T. Kenny, EPA)
- Manuela: an advanced 3D characterization material in NPP (B. Chagneau, Orano)
- Using RayXpert© Monte Carlo code to optimize radiological protections in a nuclear medicine service, B. Simony, C. Dossat, A. Ghilardi (TRAD), J. F. Rauch, L. Whitfield (Hôpital Albi)
Session 3 - Innovative ALARA tools for the follow-up and feedback (Chair: Mr. P. Croüail)
- The D-Schuttle for the collection, capitalization and broadcasting of radiological data after radiological events (W. Naito, P. Croüail, CEPN, AIST)
- Impact of the Euratom Directive on the need of follow up and feedback from activities (C. Pafilis, S. Economides, EEAE)
- Evolving Fluoro Worker Dosimetry (Prof. S. Balter, New York University)
Session 4 - Working Groups Reports
- Report from Working Group 1 (S. Medici, IRA) - Are there specific challenges in ALARA that may be solved by innovative tools?
- Report from Working Group 2 (F. Kabrt) - Are there specific issues that may limit the development of innovative ALARA tools?
- Report from Working Group 3 (F. Vermeersch, SCK•CEN) - What is the role of the radiation protection professional with regard to these ALARA tools?
- Report from Working Group 4 (S. Andresz, CEPN) - Does Artificial Intelligence has the potential to shape the ALARA process?
- Conclusions and Recommendations (tbw)