The research programme in radiation protection of the European Community

A brief summary is given of the progress in radiation protection achieved by the last six five-year research programmes organized by the Commission of the European Communities. The way in which the research programmes are determined and the role of the Management and Coordination Advisory Committee (CAC) in evaluating research proposals are discussed. Finally the main areas of research envisaged for the 1990-1994 programme are outlined; these include radiation dosimetry and its interpretation, behaviour of radionuclides in the environment, acute effects of ionising radiation, late effects of ionising radiation, radiation genetics and the evaluation of radiation risks and optimization of radiological protection. (U.K.)