Canadian Radiation Protection Association (CRPA) Conference comes to McMaster

McMaster was delighted to host the Annual Canadian Radiation Protection Association (CRPA) conference last week at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre.

Since 1979, the CRPA has supported the development and implementation of radiation safety programs in Canada to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. 

Hosted in Hamilton for the first time, the five-day conference brought together more than 180 members and non-members from industry, healthcare, research, and government to share, discuss and network on topics associated with radiation and radiation protection.

With the theme Forging the Future, the conference program emphasized emerging technologies and evolving practices, and highlighted the talented students and young professionals who will be taking the lead as nuclear expands throughout industry, healthcare and research.

Dave Niven, a Health Physics Manager and Class II Radiation Safety Officer at McMaster, was the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee.

“I’ve worked in Hamilton for fewer than three years; however, even in that short time, I quickly realized that the city is a hub for all things nuclear,” he says.

“With academic research, industry, radiopharmaceutical production, and so much more – including the McMaster Nuclear Reactor – so many nuclear sectors intersect in Hamilton. And wherever you find nuclear, you’ll find radiation safety professionals. Hamilton is truly an incubator for the future of radiation safety.”

Niven was honored at the conference banquet with the Raymond G. Ilson Leadership Award for his many years of national leadership in the Radiation Protection profession and support of the Association.

Alicia Douglas, the youngest member of the McMaster Health Physics management team, was awarded the Adelene N.T. Gaw Young Professional’s Service Award for her exemplary service to the CRPA and radiation protection profession. She also received her designation as a Registered Radiation Safety Professional (RRSP) from the association, along with Alexa Comeau, Radiation Surveyor in the Health Physics Department.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour three of McMaster’s facilities including the Canadian Centre for Advanced Nuclear Systems (CANS), the Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) facility, and the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR).

CRPA’s Annual General Meeting, also held during the week of the Conference, marked the ratification of the Association’s 2025 elections. Josip Zic, McMaster’s Chief Nuclear Officer, was named President Elect of CRPA for the 2025-2026 term and President for the 2026-2027 term.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to lead as President of CRPA. My years at McMaster helped shape my commitment to this field and to the promotion of research, education and professional standards in radiation protection. I look forward to working alongside the CRPA’s dedicated members to advance the organization’s mission,” he says.

Learn more about the CRPA here.