NERIS Platform – An attempt to enhance European response to and recovery from radiological emergencies

STUK, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, P.O. Box 14, 00881 Helsinki, Finland

Abstract

The European Platform on Preparedness for Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Response and Recovery (NERIS Platform) was established in June 15, 2010. The Mission of NERIS is to promote the involvement of different stakeholders and improve public confidence in capabilities of the key players in management of nuclear and radiological emergencies in Europe. The NERIS Platform encourages European, national, regional and local authorities, technical support organisations (TSOs), operators, professional organisations, research institutes, universities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and national and local stakeholders to co-operate in emergency management, and to facilitate access to expertise and technology in maintaining competence in the field of nuclear and radiological emergency management for the benefit of European countries and citizens. The vision is that by 2015, the self-sustaining NERIS association exists, and by 2020, all European organisations being members of the association are sharing common views and common approaches and are developing and using compatible technology and methods for consequence management of the emergencies. The NERIS Platform has, in September 2012, 43 member organisations representing stakeholders with a wide range of backgrounds, e.g. authorities, emergency centres, research organisations and the academic community. The Strategic Research Agenda (SRA), being under preparation, will provide the basis for priorities of future research and development in order to achieve the vision. The SRA therefore will communicate the future research needs, but will also be an instrument for creating synergies, co-operation and coordination internally between the NERIS participants and externally with activities taking place within other international forums.