Scientists working to ensure the health and safety of all from exposure to radiation are celebrating a landmark achievement for their learned society
This week (December 2007) the Society for Radiological Protection (SRP) received a royal charter of incorporation.
The charter was accepted from Ian Denyer, head of the Crown Office and deputy clerk of the Crown in Chancery by SRP president Sheila Liddle.
"This achievement has come to fruition after several years of intensive effort by many of the society's members" said Liddle, "and I am delighted that I have been able to contribute during my presidential year.
"Radiation protection is a multi-discipline science; physicists, chemists, biologists, engineers and statisticians all contribute in different ways to the management of the risks from working with radiation.
"Until now however there has been no general title that identifies radiation safety practitioners from all these fields to employers and the public as expert specialists.
"The royal charter remedies this.
"A corporate member of the society who can demonstrate appropriate qualifications, professional competence and effective work will now be titled Chartered Radiation Protection Professional (CRadP)".
Welcoming the opportunity to present formally the royal charter, Denyer said: "The Society for Radiological Protection has long been at the forefront of promoting health and safety.
"Its membership represents all areas involving the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation.
"In recent years members of the SRP have contributed to resolving issues of national and international importance.
"Society members are making significant contributions to the management of the nuclear legacy and the debate on new nuclear build.
"Throughout academia, hospitals and regulatory bodies the SRP plays a key role in promoting high scientific and professional standards.
"Society members are prominent in the work of the International Commission on Radiation Protection.
"The award of a royal charter is a fitting recognition of one of the UK's leading learned societies."
