Last month, Sarah, Hayley, Bryn, and Tom represented SGA at the AURPO Annual Conference 2025, held at Keele University. Organised by the Association of University Radiation Protection Officers (AURPO), the event brought together radiation protection professionals from across the UK to share knowledge, explore new developments, and strengthen collaboration across the sector.
Running from 9th to 11th September, the conference featured a diverse programme of technical talks, regulatory updates, and networking opportunities. The SGA team found the experience both enriching and enjoyable, with several sessions standing out as personal highlights.
One of the most engaging presentations was John Shepley’s talk on Real-Time Radon Measurement, which explored strategies for conducting Radon Monitoring across multiple large sites. The session provided valuable insights into how these strategies can improve safety and responsiveness in environments where radon exposure is a concern.
Another key highlight was Chris Murdock’s session on Replacing Aging Monitors, which addressed the challenges of acquiring reliable radiation monitoring equipment as current equipment ages. The talk offered an insight as to the equipment currently available for upgrading radiation monitoring equipment—an issue highly relevant to SGA’s ongoing work.
Other standout sessions included the Regulator Updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), delivered by Stewart Robertson, and the Environment Agency (EA) delivered by Alasdair McKellar, which provided clarity on current regulatory expectations and upcoming changes. There was also an engaging presentation by Ralph Whitcher on Investigating the Unknown, which explored a number of unexpected radiation incidents and the investigative approaches used to resolve them.
Beyond the technical content, the team thoroughly enjoyed the Annual Dinner, held in Keele Hall, and the Quiz Night. The Annual Dinner was a chance to dress up and connect with peers and share experiences. The lively quiz night was a competitive test of general knowledge. It was a fun and memorable way to round off the first day’s learning.
The final day featured a Radiation Protection Officers Workshop led by the HSE, focusing on key issues in university settings. This interactive session encouraged open dialogue between practitioners and regulators, helping to identify practical solutions to common challenges.
The SGA team returned from the conference inspired and informed, with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for their work in radiation protection. The event not only provided valuable professional development but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in our field.
We’re proud to have been part of this year’s AURPO Conference and extend our thanks to Tessa and AURPO for delivering such a well-structured and engaging programme. The insights gained will undoubtedly support our work in the months ahead, and we look forward to participating in future events.
For more details on the conference and programme, visit the AURPO Annual Conference 2025 page
