PIANOFORTE White Paper:
Advocating for the Future of Radiation Protection Research in Europe

We are pleased to announce the release of our White Paper, "The Vital Role of Radiation Protection Research in Europe's Future". This key document underscores the critical need for sustained investment in radiation protection research for the Next Euratom Research and Training Programme under the Tenth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10).

PIANOFORTE currently unites 108 partners from 26 countries to prioritise and implement radiation protection research while strengthening capacity building and infrastructure sharing across Europe. Our mission is to advance scientific excellence, support evidence-based policymaking, and foster innovation to ensure the safe and sustainable use of ionising radiation across multiple sectors. We advocate that a strong emphasis on radiation protection is necessary to contribute to the quality of life in Europe (including human and ecosystem health), drive innovation and sustainable growth across Europe, and meet emerging challenges arising from new technologies and threats.

While ionising radiation enables breakthroughs in medicine, nuclear and non-nuclear industries, and energy, it also requires a strong research foundation to mitigate risks, enhance emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, support risk-proportionate regulatory frameworks, and keep practices up to date. Without continued investment, Europe risks policy fragmentation, delayed technological advancements, and missed opportunities for innovation.

The White Paper advocates for a dedicated €75 million funding envelope within FP10 EURATOM to sustain a PIANOFORTE-like partnership. This investment, restoring the Horizon 2020 baseline for EC-funded radiation protection research with a modest ~15% adjustment, forms an essential component of Europe's s strategy for competitiveness, security, and quality of life, including the quality of environmental resources and natural capital, notably complementing Horizon Europe's objectives in the context of the energy transition.

Our White Paper has now been distributed to key high-level officials, including elected European Commissioners whose portfolios relate to the societal impacts of radiation protection. It has also been shared with officials at the European Commission's s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), particularly those focused on EURATOM Research, as well as the EURATOM Scientific and Technical Committee and its Working Group on Radiation Protection. Additionally, it has been sent to the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER), the EURATOM Article 31 Group of Experts, and the Science Attachés of the Permanent Representations of the 27 EU Member States.

We invite all stakeholders involved in all aspects of radiation protection, from research to practical implementation, to support this important initiative for the future of Europe. Read more about the White Paper.