International Conference on the Development of Preparedness for National and International Emergency Response (EPR2021) - Scientific Programme

Scientific Programme

The purpose of the event is to foster the exchange of information and enhance global awareness on various EPR topics through the discussion of both the progress made at national and international levels and the challenges encountered, by sharing experiences, evaluating current trends, technologies and lessons in EPR and identifying key priorities in further improving readiness for nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies, regardless whether they arise from an accident, natural disaster, negligence, nuclear security event or any other cause.

The Key Messages for the Conference are:

• It is vital to maintain preparedness to respond;
• There is a strong International EPR Framework, which is a foundation for the further development of operational arrangements;
• The capability to provide a clear, easily understandable answer to the question “Am I safe?” is the centre of gravity for the protection strategy.

The conference will cover the entire spectrum of EPR for various types of nuclear and radiological emergencies, regardless whether these arise from an accident, natural disaster, negligence, nuclear security event or any other cause. 

The topics in focus include: emergency preparedness, emergency management, protection strategies, communication, public health and medical response, international cooperation and assistance, education and training, and past experiences.

Papers are invited on the following above-mentioned subject areas:

Emergency Preparedness

IAEA safety standards, emergency plans and procedures, peer reviews of EPR, EPR for States embarking on a nuclear power programme, EPR and new generation of reactors.

Emergency Management

‘Unified command and control system’, ‘all hazards and threats approach’, decision making processes, information management systems and databases, nuclear security–safety interfaces and integration in emergency response, individual exposure assessment (including biodosimetry).

Protection Strategies

Assessment and prognosis in an emergency, emergency radiation monitoring, modelling systems, protective actions and other response actions, generic and operational criteria, planning areas and distances, protection of emergency workers and helpers, protection of food and agricultural products, termination of a radiation emergency, transition phase and recovery.

Communication

Notification and information exchange processes at national and international levels, public/media communication (in preparedness, during an emergency and in the post-emergency phase), application of INES.

Public Health and Medical Response

Public health and ethical considerations of response, medical triage and management of mass casualty event, diagnosis and treatment of radiation injuries, practical aspects of thyroid blocking, psychological impact management, medical surveillance of overexposed individuals and long term follow-up of exposed populations; non-radiological consequences.

International Cooperation and Assistance

Cooperation among States, inter-agency cooperation, international emergency assistance, international harmonization.

Education and Training

Training strategies, programmes, exercises and simulation tools, use of virtual reality in training, e-learning.

Past Experiences

Past incidents and emergencies, lessons, trends, impacts on EPR.