The role of radiation protection societies: The example of the German-Swiss Fachverband fuer Strahlenschutz

The role which radiation protection societies can and should play in the radiation protection infrastructure is illustrated by the example of the Fachverband fuer Strahlenschutz. In addition to the traditional activities of direct benefit to the members (scientific meetings, bulletin, publications, etc.) the societies have to become increasingly engaged in external activities such as serving as an interface to authorities, media and other professional fields, improving their public relations and information activities, becoming actively involved in legislation, radiation protection education, quality control, etc. Permanent working groups are excellent means both for active participation and improved professional knowledge of the members and for interface functions to other organizations and institutions. Through the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) the national and regional associate societies can co-operate and become also involved on the international level. In view of the growing influence of political and environmental pressure groups the societies must form a counterbalance in order to preserve a reasonable radiation protection philosophy and practice. (author). 18 refs