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Authors:
P.I. Mitchell (1), L. Bowden (1), R. Garcia-Tenorio (2), E. Holm (3), N. Kovats (4), N.D. Priest (5), B. Salbu (6) and L. Skipperud (6)
Affiliations:
(1) University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
(2) University of Seville, Apdo 1065, 41080 Seville, Spain
(3) Lund University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
(4) University of Veszprém, Veszprém, H-8201 Hungary
Abstract:
This paper will summarise the findings of a survey carried out in Spring 2005 as part of a EU programme (EURAC F160-CT-2003-508839) to identify existing competencies, facilities and infrastructure within the European Union in relation to the provision of postgraduate training in Radiation Protection and in related fields such as Radiobiology, Radiochemistry and Radioecology. It is anticipated that the information gathered will inform future decisions regarding the merits of Commission-supported EU-wide Master’s level training programmes in these cognate fields.
Data and background information were gathered by means of (i) an e-mail questionnaire to universities, research institutes and other third-level educational institutes throughout the EU and new entrant states, (ii) scrutinising similar surveys conducted previously by other bodies (e.g. OECD-NEA), (iii) surveying relevant educational/research institute websites, and (iv) a considerable number of enquiries through personal contact. Information sought included the nature and level of postgraduate courses presently offered (i.e. Master’s, Diploma or Certificate), staffing complement and areas of expertise, laboratory facilities in place, availability of student accommodation, and willingness to participate in a possible future European Master’s Training Programme in the broad field of Radiation Protection.
The survey findings indicate that the provision of postgraduate training at Master’s level, specifically designed to meet the requirements of each of the abovementioned fields, is, with some important exceptions, diffuse and insufficient in most Member States of the EU. Further, it is evident that competence in these fields at training level is being eroded through natural wastage and is not being replaced at a rate adequate to satisfy expected future demand for these specialised skills. Finally, the survey evidences strong support for a EU-wide Master’s training programme in Radiation Protection and allied fields, as well as considerable willingness to participate in and/or host such a programme/s.
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