Understanding low dose radiation exposure effects: MELODI’s views on developing international cooperation

Abstract

The paper presents, from a European point of view, the combined scientific and sociological rationale for further development of research into the biological effects and risks related to population exposures to low dose/low dose rate ionizing radiation. It further explains how this rationale led to the constitution, at European level, of the MELODI Association, to foster innovative and multidisciplinary research programs dedicated to this objective, and driven by a consensus-based Strategic Research Agenda (SRA). Finally, the paper suggests that this evolution towards a more integrated and multi-disciplinary approach to research in the field of low dose/dose rate radiation exposure effects and related risks could lead to new research opportunities also at an international level.

Keywords:

• low dose/dose rate effects
• international cooperation
• Europe

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jacques Repussard

Jacques Repussard was Director General of the French Institute for nuclear safety and radiation protection from 2003 to 2016. During his mandate, he encouraged the European coordination effort in the field of low dose effects research. This led in particular to the creation of the MELODI European research platform, which he chaired from its inception until 2017.