Biophysical modelling in radiation protection

Biophysical models have historically provided essential concepts by which risk estimates have been extrapolated from observations in humans and animals to the low radiation levels of prime relevance in radiation protection. But there remain major uncertainties, and modelling has an essential continuing role to reduce these and seek alternative approaches in the light of advancing knowledge. Particularly important are the capabilities of single radiation tracks in cells, and the great differences between radiations, in perturbing biological processes. (author)