The joint roadmap for radiation protection research: outreach and future

During the last decade there has been remarkable integration of radiation protection research in Europe, driven by six research platforms. The platforms are associations of research centres, university research groups and funding bodies in Member States that are dedicated to specialised areas of research in radiation protection, such as health risks (MELODI), radioecology (ALLIANCE), radiological emergencies (NERIS), dosimetry (EURADOS), medical use of radiation (EURAMED) and societal aspects (SHARE). Recently these platforms established an umbrella organisation MEENAS, to endorse further integration and joint activities in research, education and training, and infrastructures. A milestone in this process of integration and priority setting was achieved in 2020 when the first edition of the joint roadmap for radiation protection research was finalised. In this paper we describe the various roles for research and development in the radiation protection context, ranging from basic scientific knowledge underpinning the system of protection to research supporting the development and application of international standards and research and development activities needed to ensure safety in radiation practices and in potential exposure scenarios. We describe the process of how the joint roadmap has been developed and how it could be implemented. Finally, we address the need to anticipate potential future exposure scenarios and to systematically consider the impact of emerging technologies and global challenges in the context of radiation protection. The joint roadmap is a living document that needs to be regularly updated to cover both current and potential exposures of humans and the environment.