Preface [to the Proceedings of ICRM 2013]

This special issue of Applied Radiation and Isotopes is devoted to the 19th International Conference on Radionuclide Metrology and its Applications (ICRM 2013), which was held from 17 to 21 June 2013 at the Congress Centrum Elzenveld in Antwerp, Belgium, housed in a historical convent building of the 16th century. The conference was organised by the European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (EC-JRC-IRMM), the local organisation was undertaken by the Radionuclide Metrology group of JRC-IRMM. The city of Antwerp with its rich history and at the same time flourishing economy, based on its large sea port and worldwide trade, offered a pleasant conference setting with uncountable possibilities for relaxation in the evening in its numerous restaurants and pubs, stimulating discussions about present and future collaborations and giving plenty of opportunities to meet old and make new friends. Plenary meetings of the International Committee for Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM) are held biennially and have developed into scientific ICRM conferences, a successful instrument of communication among various specialists, truly encouraging international co-operation.JRC.D.4-Standards for Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguard