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Deadline Extended: IAEA Conference on the Development of Preparedness for National and International Emergency Response

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(Image: K. Vargas/IAEA)

The deadline for interested contributors to submit abstracts for the International Conference on the Development of Preparedness for National and International Emergency Response (EPR2021), to be held in Vienna, Austria from 11 to 15 October 2021, has been extended to 1 June 2021.

Member States’ and international organizations’ diligent planning always includes preparations for possible radiation-related emergencies. Taking this into account, planners need to implement an efficient nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response (EPR) system based on effective emergency preparedness, robust arrangements, and trained responders.

“While the responsibility to develop, maintain and strengthen nuclear and radiological EPR arrangements rests with national authorities, the IAEA plays a central role in fostering the international EPR framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies,” said Florian Baciu, Acting Head of the IAEA’s Incident and Emergency Centre, which is organizing the EPR2021 conference. “The presentations and discussions at EPR 2021 directly support the IAEA’s development of EPR guidance to provide Member States a reference to develop and sustain robust EPR arrangements.”

The EPR2021 conference is an international forum to exchange information on EPR topics and enhance global awareness of both progress made at national and international levels and the challenges encountered. During the conference, EPR experts from around the world will share experience, evaluate current trends, technologies and lessons in EPR and identify key priorities in further improving readiness for nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies – regardless of whether these arise from an accident, natural disaster, negligence, nuclear security event or any other cause.

Guidance in all areas of nuclear and radiological EPR improve understanding and implementation of international best practice, as well as the principles outlined in the IAEA Safety Standards; assistance in the design, conduct and evaluation of emergency exercises; and technical support to national and regional capacity building projects.

What are the conference objectives?

The EPR2021 conference’s three objectives are to reiterate the vital importance of maintaining preparedness to respond, to emphasize that the strong international EPR framework serves as the foundation to support operational arrangements’ further development, and to ensure that the centre of gravity of protection strategies is achieving the capability to provide a clear, easily understandable answer to a key question in emergencies: “Am I safe?”.

Who is invited?

The IAEA invites to this conference governmental officials with responsibilities in EPR, experts in EPR as well as in nuclear safety and nuclear security matters, representatives of response and operating organizations, emergency planners and emergency responders, public information officers and others involved in EPR for nuclear and radiological incidents and emergencies.

How can you present a paper?

Experts who wish to present a paper at the conference must submit an abstract in electronic format through the Conference’s web-based file submission system (IAEA-INDICO) by 1 June 2021.

The IAEA especially encourages abstract submissions from young professionals. Prospective conference participants who are under the age of 37 and relatively early in their careers may receive grants to attend the conference.

For more information, visit the EPR2021 event page or follow #AreWeReady on Twitter.

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