NIRS programme on low dose radiation as IAEA CC

The year 2006 was the first year for the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) as an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Center on Biological Effects of Low Dose Radiation; NIRS was designated as one of the IAEA Collaborating Centers on January 18, 2006. The ceremony for the designation was held on February 8 with the presence of Professor Pedro Andreo, Director, Division of Human Health, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, IAEA. In April 2006, NIRS initiated the second 5-year plan. The aim of the plan is to pursue comprehensive research and development on radiation and human health. The missions include the research on the effects of radiation on human bodies, medical countermeasures against radiation, diagnosis and treatment of diseases using radiation and radioisotopes, dissemination of research, and promotion of their uses. Among the missions of Research Center for Radiation Protection, both an understanding of the biological effects of low dose radiation and training of the skills of researchers and radiation workers have been the most important aspects. (author)