Serhii Rybalko, Head of Radiation Safety Department at the SSE “Chornobyl NPP”, took part in the workshop organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on monitoring during nuclear or radiological emergency. The event took place from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Miharu, Japan.

The purpose of the workshop was to train the participants to perform radiological monitoring and, on the basis of such monitoring, to make recommendations for general public protection in response to nuclear or radiological incidents and emergency. The programme also included the exchange of knowledge and experience, professional networking and discussions on approaches to ensuring preparedness for and response to radiological emergency.

“The aim of the event was to master emergency response procedures and decision-making regarding the evacuation of the population. Sharing views with international colleagues and assessment of Ukraine’s position in this field was a useful experience. We are definitely moving in the right direction and, in some respects, are even ahead of the standards thanks to our significant practical experience. The SSE ChNPP is ready to share this expertise with the international community,” said Serhii Rybalko.

During the workshop, participants gained practical skills in assessment of the radiation situation and using monitoring results to make decisions on the general public and staff protection. Serhii Rybalko also took part in professional discussions with the IAEA experts and representatives from other countries on radiation monitoring organisation in the case of nuclear and radiation accidents and sharing of the practical experience in this field. Following the workshop, it is planned to prepare proposals for improving decision-making algorithms on responding to nuclear and radiation accidents.

The workshop programme was not limited to studying the experience of elimination of the accident consequences at Fukushima Daiichi NPP, which occurred in Japan in 2011, but it also covered a wider range of issues relating to radiation monitoring and emergency response. At the same time, the workshop participants had the opportunity to learn about some of the developments made by the local experts, for example, regarding the agricultural use of land that might have been contaminated by radioactivity.

‘The Fukushima region is quite large and covers areas situated at the considerable distance from Fukushima Daiichi NPP. The agricultural products, which undergo special radiation monitoring, are grown on these lands. Food products, originating from the Fukushima region, bear the special labelling that certifies that they have undergone monitoring and confirms that no radioactive contamination has been detected,” noted Serhii Rybalko.