[2] IRPA was formed on June 19, 1965, at a meeting in Los Angeles; stimulated by the desire of radiation protection professionals to have a world-wide body.

Membership includes 50 Associate Societies covering 65 countries, totaling approximately 18,000 individual members.

It delegates authority to the Executive Council for the efficient administration of the affairs of the Association.

Specific duties are carried out by IRPA Commissions, Committees, Task Groups and Working Groups: The following is a list of the 50 Associate Societies (covering 65 countries): ( Australia &  New Zealand) 1999 for Australasian ( Burundi,  Ethiopia,  Kenya,  Rwanda,  Somalia,  Tanzania,  Uganda) ( Germany &   Switzerland) ( Denmark,  Finland,  Iceland,  Norway,  Sweden) ( Serbia &  Montenegro) ( South Africa,  Namibia,  Botswana) The 2032 Congress (IRPA18) will be in Australia.

The Sievert Award consists of a suitable scroll, certificate or parchment, containing the name of the recipient, the date it is presented, and an indication that the award honours the memory of Professor Rolf M. Sievert.