IOMP Science Committee Chair’s Message

Robert Jeraj, PhD
IOMP Science Committee Chair

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this edition of the IOMP Newsletter, which highlights several important developments in education, professional leadership, scientific heritage, and international collaboration across our global medical physics community.

One of the key IOMP events this month is the upcoming IOMP School Webinar on August 25, 2026, titled “Medical Physics in Times of Disaster“. The webinar will bring together experts from Ukraine, the Middle East, Malaysia, and Taiwan to discuss maintaining safe and effective medical physics services during war, humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Topics will include radiotherapy resilience in conflict zones, crisis communication, earthquake preparedness, and lessons learned from sustaining patient care under extraordinary circumstances. The webinar reflects the profession’s commitment to patient safety, continuity of care, and international solidarity in challenging times.

We are also delighted to congratulate IOMP President Prof. Dr. Eva Bezak on her election as Co-Chair of the WHO Global Diagnostics Coalition Working Group 5, which is tasked with coordinated global action across the full spectrum of diagnostic services. We would also like to congratulate several other IOMP ExCom members who have been appointed as members of GDC Working Groups: Secretary-General Magdalena Stoeva (WG2 and WG3), Madan Rehani (WG2), Vice-President M. Mahesh (WG1 and WG3), and John Damilakis (WG6). This strong representation across multiple working groups is a wonderful reflection of the depth and breadth of expertise within our ExCom, and of the trust placed in IOMP by the global health community. Congratulations to all!

This issue also celebrates two milestones for our flagship journal, Medical Physics International. The History Edition (July 2026), the 12th special history issue, focuses primarily on the history of radiotherapy, exploring the evolution of one of the most transformative areas of medicine while preserving the stories, innovations, and individuals that have shaped our profession. Alongside it, Volume 14, Number 1 (2026) brings a fresh collection of articles spanning medical physics research, education, and professional practice worldwide. We thank the authors, reviewers, and editorial teams behind both issues, and encourage members to read, share, and help their impact travel farther than borders.

At the same time, we remember with deep sadness Prof. Dr. George Sgouros (1963–2026), a visionary scientist whose pioneering contributions to radiopharmaceutical therapy and patient-specific dosimetry helped transform the field. His innovations in internal dosimetry, leadership in alpha-particle therapy, and dedication to mentoring future generations have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire medical physicists around the world.

We also draw your attention to an important opportunity to contribute to an IAEA global survey on Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT) Audit Systems. The questionnaire seeks input on current practices, infrastructure, and professional competencies in order to strengthen quality assurance, education, internal dosimetry standards, and patient safety worldwide. Members are encouraged to participate before the extended submission deadline of 15 August 2026.

Looking ahead, the IAEA’s 70th General Conference will be held 14–18 September 2026 at the Vienna International Centre, marking a milestone seven decades since the Agency’s founding. Representatives from Member States will gather to chart the Agency’s future in nuclear science, safety, and technology — including work in radiation protection and cancer care that remains closely relevant to medical physicists worldwide. We encourage members with an interest in these discussions to follow proceedings as they unfold.

As always, thank you for your dedication to advancing medical physics through research, education, and clinical service. We hope this newsletter keeps you informed, connected, and inspired as we continue working together to improve healthcare globally.

With best regards,

Robert Jeraj
Chair, IOMP Science Committee