The 18th coordination meeting of the WHO Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network (REMPAN)—a global network of institutions specializing in radiation emergency medicine and public health preparedness—was held in Paris, France, from 23 to 25 June 2026. The meeting was hosted by the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The meeting brought together approximately 150 participants from around the world, including around 70 experts attending in person and additional participants joining remotely. Representatives of REMPAN institutions, WHO Collaborating Centres, international organizations, government authorities, public health agencies, hospitals, research institutes and emergency-response organizations participated in the event.
The meeting provided a global forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience and lessons learned in radiation emergency medicine, public health preparedness, radiological protection and nuclear emergency response. Discussions reflected evolving challenges to global health security, including lessons from the Fukushima Daiichi accident, the health-sector implications of radiological and nuclear threats, preparedness for mass-casualty incidents, long-term health effects of radiation exposure, and the growing importance of international cooperation.
Objectives of the meeting
The objectives of the meeting were to:
- review progress and key developments in radiation emergency medicine and public health preparedness since the previous REMPAN coordination meeting;
- share experiences and best practices in preparedness, response and recovery from radiological and nuclear emergencies;
- strengthen international collaboration among REMPAN members and partner organizations;
- discuss advances in medical countermeasures, biodosimetry, management of radiation injuries and internal contamination;
- exchange information on national preparedness programmes, training initiatives and emergency-response capabilities;
- examine long-term health consequences of major nuclear and radiological events and emerging public-health challenges;
- explore the implications of current geopolitical and security developments, including the public-health consequences of nuclear war and radiological threats;
- promote innovation and future-oriented approaches, including the application of artificial intelligence in radiation emergency preparedness and response.
Key topics discussed
- medical and public health preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies;
- WHO activities in health emergency preparedness and response;
- international cooperation for global health security;
- national experiences and updates from REMPAN member institutions;
- lessons learned fifteen years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident;
- long-term health effects of radiation exposure, including findings from Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Chernobyl-related research programmes;
- public health consequences of nuclear war and nuclear detonations;
- medical management of acute radiation syndrome and radiation injuries;
- internal contamination assessment, decorporation treatment and medical countermeasures;
- advances in radiobiology and biodosimetry;
- the potential role of artificial intelligence in radiation emergency preparedness and response.
Participants also heard updates from key international partners, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), NERIS, IARC, ICRC and other organizations active in radiological and nuclear emergency preparedness.
Highlights
A special focus of the meeting was the commemoration of major milestones in radiation-health research and emergency preparedness, including:
- the 15th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident;
- the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident;
- the 50th anniversary of the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF);
- adoption and implementation of the new World Health Assembly resolution on the effects of nuclear war on public health.
The meeting also featured the REMPAN Women Award ceremony, recognizing the contributions of women professionals to the field of radiation emergency medicine and preparedness.
Conclusions
The 18th WHO REMPAN coordination meeting reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in strengthening preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies. The discussions highlighted the value of sustained collaboration among health authorities, emergency-response organizations, academic institutions and international partners to enhance readiness, build capacity and protect populations from the health consequences of radiological and nuclear emergencies.
Host institution
The meeting was kindly hosted by the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) in Paris, France.