Educational activities on environmental radioactivity and medical applications of radiations at University of Milano and INFN in Italy

Radioactivity and ionizing radiations are often perceived through the lens of human activities and nuclear technologies, yet the primary source of human exposure to ionizing radiations remains natural radioactivity in its terrestrial, cosmic, and cosmogenic components, followed by the medical use of ionizing radiations1. However, in Italy, there exists a cultural taboo surrounding all things "nuclear," leading to a lack of information that can result in unwarranted fears and distorted perceptions of everyday risks. In response to these challenges and recognizing the growing relevance of radiological applications in healthcare, educational initiatives have merged as crucial tools for disseminating knowledge and fostering awareness among students and the public. Strengthened by these assumptions some educational activities are promoted by at the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics – INFN with a focus on the initiatives conducted at the Milan section2 and the Physics Department of University of Milano – UNIMI to educate the new generations, starting from primarily high school students, and indirectly the broader population, about ionizing radiations - IR. These initiatives, comprising the Radioactivity Laboratory (RadioLab) project, measurements of radionuclides in samples like milk and its derivates, and the International Particle Therapy Masterclass (PTMC), are designed to engage students and the broader community in exploring the complexities and implications of IR.