Blog

Julie Turner of Loughborough University has been appointed as the new President of AURPO. She took over from Pete Cole of University of Liverpool at the AGM on 5 September.

This year’s Annual Conference took place in early September at the University of Sussex.  It was a great success with nearly 100 attendees and 15 exhibitors.  The 2 day event with optional workshop on day 3 gave the opportunity for much networking in addition to the sessions.  Look out for details of the 2024 event – dates and venue to be announced soon!

The University Laser Safety Forum was held at Loughborough University on the 11th of July. This was a great opportunity to bring together colleagues who work within the higher education sector who work with lasers or provide laser safety advice, this resulted in several interesting discussions.

The day began with an update on university laser inspections from Stewart Robertson, this helped outline the state of compliance in the sector and set the scene for the later talks. John O’Hagan and Eric Liggins then provided updates on relevant laser standards, outlining key changes from previous versions.

There was a change of topic to focus on some non-beam hazards as Lewis Jones gave a talk on laser fume in the medical field.

The final two talks focused on practical laser safety, Trevor Wheatley who gave a very informative talk on laser shielding calculations using the standards previously mentioned by John and Eric previously. The meeting was then closed by John Tyrer talking about active engineering controls with thoughts the sector should consider going forward.

The Certificate of Professional Development in Radiation Protection course is run by the Association of University Radiation Protection Officers (AURPO) and the University of Strathclyde in order to assist those seeking a career as a radiation protection professional to demonstrate the required core of knowledge and core competencies in accordance with Annex 3 of the HSE Statement on RPAs or the environment agencies’ RWA Syllabus. Applications for the next intake of the course commencing in September have again reached capacity, and additional tutors are required so that it can continue to support the industry to grow and develop. The course continues to be delivered fully online and tutors are paid on a per student basis. If you’re interested in becoming a tutor, please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected] by Monday 3 July 2023.

Early Careers Professional – free registration at this Annual Conference plus travel & hotel; for those in the first 10 years of their RP career. For this award, you must be a member of AURPO.

AURPO Professional Development Award – a free place on the next AURPO/Strathclyde Certificate of Professional Development in Radiation Protection distance learning course (begins Sept 2023 and runs to May 2024) – value of £2,350.  Successful applicants will receive free Associate membership for the duration of the course.

Find out more information about both awards.  Applications should be made using the Awards Application Form.  Please copy [email protected] when emailing these forms back.

Deadline for both awards this year is 31 July 2023.

5 – 6 September 2023, University of Sussex

The delegate booking form has just been released for AURPO’s Annual Conference.

With a jam packed technical programme, social meals, exhibition and networking opportunities, this is certainly a conference not to be missed.  We can’t wait for you to join us, especially as we will be somewhere very special for the Annual Dinner – take a look at the Annual Conference invitation to find out futher information about this.  Member delegate places are £215 for both days; details on the other rates, including day rates, can be found on the booking form above.

On Thursday 7 September, we’re offering an optional Liquid Scintillation Counting Workshop in the morning, which will only cost £30.  You must book this seperately through the booking form above. 

Exhibition
Spaces have just been released for the exhibition area which will be sold on a first come first served basis.  The cost is £325 for an Affiliate member and £375 for a non-member.  Download the exhibition booking form.

Please note that for the delegate and exhibition bookings, there is a late fee if you book after 31 July 2023.  Delegate booking forms and exhibition booking forms are to be emailed to [email protected] .

We are aiming to release the programme very shortly.

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AURPO has received a heartwarming letter from King Charles III, thanking the Association after we sent a letter of condolence on the loss of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

This year’s Annual Conference was held in Liverpool in early September. It was a tremendous success and an excellent networking opportunity. A review will be sent to members in the next Newsletter. View the gallery and programme from the event.

Mike Sobanski (University of Cardiff) was presented with AURPO’s highest honour at the Annual Dinner on 7th September. Mike is pictured centre with AURPO President Pete Cole (left) and Chris Murdock (right).