Scientific background:
The scientific research focus of the Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics and the Atomic Bomb Disease Institute is the investigation of health effects of ionizing radiation. Further research is needed concerning the following topics:
- Health risk assessment in relation to diagnostic and therapeutic radiation exposure in medicine,
- Health risk assessment in relation to occupational and environmental radiation exposure,
- Investigation of determinants of individual susceptibility.
Objectives:
The main aim of the Mainz – Nagasaki Radiation Research Initiative is the collaboration in joint research projects with a focus on long term effects of diagnostic and therapeutic radiation exposure in medicine. Recent events such as the Fukushima nuclear accident underline the need for ongoing research efforts as the basis for risk assessment and communication with the public and others.
Furthermore, the Mainz - Nagasaki Radiation Research Initiative will establish personnel exchange between the partner institutions, which includes the organization of bi-national workshops. A long term aim is to support the sustainability of the initiative by joint applications and cooperation in radiation research projects.
Aspects of Research Structure
- Joint signature of an “Inter-University Agreement” between the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz and the Nagasaki University.
- Establishment of “Terms of Reference” to define aims and milestones of the initiative,
- A scientific management committee oversees the scientific activities, the planning process for workshops and reviews proposals for collaborative projects.
