Happy New Year! Or, if you’re like me and don’t buy into the whole ‘new year, new me’ thing, then happy just-another-day-in-January!

There’s something about the start of the year that seems to pressure everyone into making big, dramatic changes. Gym memberships skyrocket, self-improvement books sell out, and social media is flooded with ambitious goals. But honestly? I think we put way too much emphasis on January as the only time to make changes. Why should self-improvement be tied to the calendar? If you want to start something new, you can do it in March, June, or even a random Tuesday in October. The important thing is consistency, not a flashy resolution that’s abandoned by February.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea of continuous growth. I believe that making small, steady improvements throughout the year is much more realistic than trying to overhaul everything in one go. Personally, I want to read more this year - properly sit down with a book instead of scrolling mindlessly on my phone. I also want to exercise more, not in a ‘must-hit-the-gym-every-day’ way, but just moving my body more and feeling stronger. These aren’t resolutions that hinge on the first of January; they’re ongoing goals that I’ll tweak and adjust as I go. And that’s okay!

Speaking of different ways to approach the new year, I’ve always found Spanish traditions in January really interesting. Unlike the UK, where New Year's Eve is the main event, in Spain, the celebrations spill well into January. The biggest tradition is the Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th, which is arguably bigger than Christmas Day. Kids wake up to presents from the Three Wise Men, and families share a Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread with a hidden surprise inside (kind of like our Christmas pudding with the lucky coin, but better because it involves cream cake).

There’s also a tradition I’ve mentioned in my blog before that I love, where people eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve - one for each chime of the clock - to bring good luck for each month of the coming year. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. The first time I tried it, I nearly choked from the pressure of shoving grapes into my mouth at lightning speed. But it’s all part of the fun!

Now, let’s talk about something closer to home - Hull! Yes, that’s right, the SRP Annual Conference is heading to East Yorkshire this year, and while Hull may not be ‘proper’ Yorkshire in my books (come fight me on this!), I’m still pretty happy about the location. It’s close to Leeds, which means I'll get a chance to pop in to visit my parents while I’m over.

Hull is one of those places that gets unfairly overlooked, but it’s actually full of history and character. Did you know it was the UK City of Culture in 2017? It’s also got a fascinating maritime history, with the famous Fish Trail - a walking tour of life-sized fish sculptures embedded into the pavement (yes, really). If you’re looking for something more educational, there’s the Streetlife Museum, which has everything from vintage trams to a recreated 1940s high street. And, of course, Hull is home to the deep-sea aquarium The Deep, which is well worth a visit if you have some free time during the conference (and not just if you’re planning on taking advantage of the conference crèche and bringing your child/ren with you to Hull, it’s a great day out for adults too!).

But back to the real reason we’ll all be in Hull - the SRP Annual Conference! This year’s theme is Regenerating Radiation Protection, which feels particularly relevant given how much our field is evolving. We’ll have some great talks, networking opportunities, and (if past conferences are anything to go by) probably a few entertaining moments along the way. I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone, hearing new ideas, and maybe even having a friendly debate or two.

On Tuesday morning, I attended an Outreach Committee meeting, and it was fantastic to see so many new faces. There’s something really energising about being in a room (or a virtual call) with people who are passionate about spreading awareness and education in our field.

Now, I know that when people think of outreach, they often imagine us prancing around on stage or doing flashy science experiments with kids. And yes, that’s definitely part of it (and a very fun part, I might add!). But today’s meeting was a great reminder that outreach is about much more than that. We had a particularly passionate discussion about safeguarding children - proving that outreach isn’t just about engaging young minds but also about addressing serious, and sometimes challenging topics. It’s all part and parcel of the Outreach goal, because radiation protection affects so many different aspects of society, and making sure people understand its importance, safely and conscientiously, is a responsibility we all share.

So, as we settle into 2025, I’m reminding myself (and anyone else who needs to hear it) that growth doesn’t have to come with a grand announcement or a New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s learning something new, improving a skill, or just making small changes to feel healthier and happier, it all counts. And most importantly, it doesn’t have to start on January 1st!

I’m looking forward to what this year has in store, from personal goals to professional milestones. And, of course, I can’t wait for the conference in Hull—it’ll be great to see familiar faces and discuss the future of radiation protection in a city that deserves more recognition.

Here’s to a year of steady, meaningful progress—whenever and however that may happen.

See you all in Hull!

Sarah Hunak
Director of Engagement
engagement@srp-uk.org