International Radiation Protection Association
The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) is an independent non-profit association of national and regional radiation protection societies, and its mission is to advance radiation protection throughout the world. It is the international professional association for radiation protection. IRPA is recognized by the IAEA as a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) and is an observer on the IAEA Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC). IRPA was formed on June 19, 1965, at a meeting in Los Angeles; stimulated by the desire of radiation protection professionals to have a world-wide body. Membership includes 50 Associate Societies covering  65 countries, totaling approximately 18,000 individual members. Structure. The General Assembly, made up of representatives from the Associate Societies, is the representative body of the Association. It delegates authority to the Executive Council for the efficient administration of the affairs of the Association. Specific duties are carried out by IRPA Commissions, Committees, Task Groups and Working Groups: Associate societies. The following is a list of the 50 Associate Societies (covering 65 countries): List of International Congresses. The 2020 Congress (IRPA15) will be in Korea. Past Congresses. IRPA 14 Cape Town, May 2016 IRPA 13 Glasgow, May 2012 IRPA 12 Buenos  Aires, October 2008 IRPA 11 Madrid, May 2004 IRPA 10 Hiroshima, May 2000 IRPA 9 Vienna, April 1996 IRPA 8 Montreal, May 1992 IRPA 7 Sydney, April 1988 IRPA 6 Berlin, May 1984 IRPA 5 Jerusalem, March 1980 IRPA 4 Paris, April 1977 IRPA 3 Washington, September 1973 IRPA 2 Brighton, May 1970 IRPA 1 Rome, September 1966 International Cooperation. IRPA maintains relations with many other international organizations in the field of radiation protection, such as those listed here. Awards. Rolf M. Sievert Award. Commencing with the 1973 IRPA Congress, each International Congress has been opened by the Sievert Lecture  which is presented by the winner of the Sievert Award. This award is in honour of Rolf M. Sievert, a pioneer in radiation physics and radiation protection. The Sievert Award consists of a suitable scroll, certificate or parchment, containing the name of the recipient, the date it is presented, and an indication that the award honours the memory of Professor Rolf M. Sievert. The recipients of the Sievert Award are listed below: