A future for radioecology in Europe

European and national funding for radioecology was substantial after the Chernobyl accident, but has since declined. In the last decade, the number of radioecologists has been steadily reducing with significant gaps occurring in many countries in the expe rtise needed to cover the many different facets of radioecology. Recent reports have identified the need to ensure that the discipline is maintained across Europe and beyond. Some Member States may not be able to adequately respond to future large scale a ccidents or to address knowledge gaps in respect to new regulatory requirements. Issues within radiation protection are cross-boundary and we may need to bring together the remaining European radioecological expertise to make best use of experience and re sources, and ensure an appropriate future for radioecology in Europe. The primary objective of this CA is to evaluate the feasibility of network(s) to maintain and enhance competence and to enhance sustainable collaboration in the field of assessment and management of the impact of radionuclides on man and the environment. To reach this objective, the present CA proposes a number of tasks that includes: (i) evaluation of the current situation of research in radioecology in Europe and beyond (scientific pr ogrammes, human resources, infrastructures, funding), (ii) focused interaction with end-users representing national bodies, competent authorities, industry and scientists to assess the present and future needs in radioecology, (iii) evaluation of the capa city to support future needs and identification and prioritisation of new challenges considering potential avenues for better collaboration in broader areas of environmental sciences. From these tasks, the output of the project will be an evaluation of th e potential for establishing deeper and sustainable collaboration in radioecology possibly in the form of Network(s) of Excellence. The suitable scope, extent and structure of the network(s) will be explored.