Professor Stephen Inkoom is a renowned Medical Physicist and Principal Research Scientist at the Radiation Protection Institute (RPI) of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC). Over the years, his career has been defined by groundbreaking work in radiation protection, medical physics, and nuclear safety. Through his leadership, research, and dedication to education, Professor Inkoom has become a key figure in advancing these critical fields both in Ghana and internationally. His efforts have focused on improving radiation safety standards, fostering international collaboration, and training the next generation of professionals to make a lasting impact in science and healthcare.
Leadership and Current Roles
At the Radiation Protection Institute, Professor Inkoom leads the Radiation Protection Training and Consultancy Centre, a pivotal unit that provides education, training, and consultancy services in radiation protection and safety. In this role, he ensures that professionals working with radiation are equipped with the knowledge and skills to uphold high safety standards in their respective fields.
In addition, he serves as the Project Coordinator for the NORPART initiative, a collaborative program between Ghana and Norway that focuses on enhancing education in medical physics and radiography. This project exemplifies his commitment to fostering international partnerships to strengthen academic and professional training in these specialized areas.
Beyond his work at RPI, Professor Inkoom is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences. Within the Department of Medical Physics and the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, he teaches and inspires students, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-prepared to meet the challenges of radiation safety and medical physics.
Mentorship and Capacity Building
One of the hallmarks of Professor Inkoom’s career is his dedication to mentorship and capacity building. He has supervised numerous students at various levels, including PhD and MPhil candidates, IAEA fellows, and undergraduate students from Ghana and across Africa. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many professionals who now contribute to the fields of radiation protection and medical physics both on the continent and globally.
Through his guidance, students and fellows have gained valuable expertise, contributing to the expansion of knowledge and capacity in radiation safety and healthcare. His commitment to nurturing talent and sharing his experience continues to have a profound ripple effect on the field.
Research Contributions
Professor Inkoom’s research interests are wide-ranging and impactful, addressing some of the most critical aspects of radiation protection and medical physics. His work spans topics such as optimizing Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), conducting quality audits in diagnostic radiology, CT dosimetry, and studying radiation safety for medical, occupational, and public exposures. In addition, his research delves into patient dosimetry, quality assurance, and nuclear security.
Through his research, he has made significant contributions to improving safety and efficiency in diagnostic radiology and other radiation-related applications. His findings have helped shape best practices and influenced policies aimed at ensuring the safe and effective use of radiation in medicine and industry.
International Engagement
Professor Inkoom’s influence extends far beyond Ghana’s borders. He has been actively involved in numerous international and national initiatives aimed at advancing radiation safety and medical physics. Over the years, he has participated in a wide range of activities, including technical meetings, expert missions, IAEA fellowships, training programs, and collaborative research projects.
His expertise is frequently sought after, and he has served as an invited speaker, resource person, and participant at many workshops, conferences, and seminars. These engagements reflect his status as a respected authority in his field and his commitment to sharing knowledge and collaborating with peers around the world.
Professional Leadership
In addition to his research and teaching, Professor Inkoom has taken on key leadership roles in professional organizations. He is the General Secretary of the Ghana Association of Radiation Protection (GARP), where he helps guide efforts to promote radiation safety in the country. He also serves as an Executive Member of the Ghana Society for Medical Physics (GSMP) and represents Ghana as a Council Delegate in the Federation of African Medical Physics Organizations (FAMPO).
Through these roles, Professor Inkoom contributes to shaping the policies and practices that govern radiation protection and medical physics in Ghana and across Africa. His leadership within these organizations demonstrates his dedication to advancing the field and advocating for high standards of practice.
Publications and Scientific Contributions
Professor Inkoom’s contributions to science and education are reflected in his extensive body of scholarly work. Over the years, he has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, conference papers, newsletters, and technical reports. One of his notable achievements includes contributing to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s TECDOC-1734, titled Establishing a National Nuclear Security Support Centre, which was published in 2014.
Beyond his written contributions, Professor Inkoom has delivered 36 conference and seminar presentations and facilitated 52 training courses and fellowship programs. Through these efforts, he has shared his knowledge with a wide audience, ensuring that professionals and students alike benefit from his expertise.
Vision and Impact
Professor Stephen Inkoom’s work embodies a vision of advancing medical physics, radiation safety, and nuclear security through research, education, and international collaboration. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the safety and effectiveness of radiation use in medicine and industry, and his leadership has inspired countless professionals to pursue excellence in their fields.
By dedicating his career to improving safety standards, fostering innovation, and mentoring future leaders, Professor Inkoom has cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in medical physics and radiation protection. His work not only strengthens these fields within Ghana and Africa but also contributes to global efforts to make radiation use safer and more effective for all.