Empowering the Next Generation of Health Physicists

Founded in July 2023, Health Physics Academic Education Center (HPAERC) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing careers in health physics and ensuring continued excellence in the science and practice of radiation safety. HPAERC furthers the work of the Health Physics Society (HPS) by raising and distributing crucial funds to increase awareness for health physics careers and support training professionals in the field. Scholarships, fellowships, faculty development grants, research grants, and other forms of financial support will be awarded to worthy students and institutions engaged in training the next generation of health physicists and radiation protection specialists.

The critical need for health physics professionals cannot be overstated. The current workforce is aging out and fewer employees are entering the field. Over 50% of HPS members are over the age of 50, many of whom plan to retire within the next 10 years. Students are the future of our profession, and yet, the graduation rate for health physics is the lowest in decades and continues to decline dramatically. The shortage of radiation safety professionals impacts federal, state and local environmental protection agencies, medical care facilities, nuclear reactor sites, national laboratories, and other radiation related organizations. Furthermore, the number of colleges and universities offering certificates and degrees is decreasing, as more and more schools phase out their health physics programs. HPAERC assists university programs to grow and meet the shortage of health physicists across the country.