Author: Grant Cubbon, Deputy Editor
Grant was writing his editor’s message just ahead of the 2024 conference. He commended the organizing committee for putting together an excellent program and encouraged readers to attend the great talks, the AGM, and the awards banquet, and (of course) to check in at the hospitality suite! He also encouraged readers to make a point of introducing themselves to colleagues from across the country (and beyond) so that they can learn from the successes and challenges of people from various disciplines within radiation protection.
Grant Cubbon asks Brian Bewer, a radiation specialist at the Canadian Light Source, about his job and why he wanted to be CRPA(R) accredited. Brian talks about the knowledge he’s accumulated and the benefits of having a community of experienced radiation safety officers.
Grant Cubbon interviews Darin Street, radiation protection and control lead at the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron, and asks him about how he got his start in the industry, his experience obtaining the CARP(R) designation, and how the knowledge and professional connections he has gained have benefited his career.
Grant had to miss the recent CRPA conference in Halifax to attend RadSynch23—a conference held every other year for radiation safety personnel from synchrotron facilities around the world. Grant says the research and experiences shared at the conference (which he summarizes in his editorial), coupled with meeting and renewing contact with synchrotron radiation protection colleagues, makes attendance at the conference invaluable.
In his editorial, Grant reflects on the recent International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) 2021+1 conference in Vancouver. After two years of limited online conferences, he found this in-person event well worth the wait. He describes the sessions and some of the key themes. For example, he says many of the topics centred around how to best communicate health risks from ionizing radiation to the public. The conference wrapped up with a panel discussion on the next steps in advancing the system of radiation protection.
In his editorial, Deputy Editor Grant Cubbon reflects on his role as a member of the CRPA board of directors. After three terms on the board, he chose not to run in this year’s election, saying that, “it’s time to make room for one of the many young professionals among our membership to take a leadership role in the association.” He also reflects on contributions of the many experts, from CRPA and beyond, who have volunteered their time to provide great articles for the Bulletin.
After enjoying the holiday break and spending time with family, Grant is thinking about his plans for the upcoming year. The plans have been made, but amid the uncertainty of living with COVID, the implementation is not quite so clear. Perhaps that’s why he’s identified change as a theme for this first issue of the Bulletin for 2022.
Recently, our facility experienced a COVID-19 outbreak (based on the Saskatchewan Government definition of two or more cases in the same workplace). I am relieved to report the events and outcomes were somewhat less dramatic than a Hollywood movie.
