195th Committee on Utilization and Biological Effects of Radiation

Ionizing radiation has been widely used in various fields. Especially, in the medical field, it is an important and indispensable technology for both diagnostics and treatment. It is also used for sterilization and food preservation by utilizing the ability of cell killing, and used for non-destructive inspection by taking the advantage of its penetration through materials. Various studies have been conducted on the biological effects of radiation, such as epidemiology, animal experiment, and cell experiment.

The Committee places importance on scientific, evidence-based discussions in investigating the biological effects of radiation, The Committee has two objectives: (1) Academically, to be a center of the multi-disciplinary framework for scientific discussions on the biological effects of radiation. (2) In cooperation with the industrial sector, to make recommendations regarding the regulation of the use of radiation based on the scientific knowledge. Some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations and endorsed by many countries can be achieved by the use of radiation-based technology, but the discussions of the sustainability must be backed by science. The biological effects of radiation are complex issues and it is not easy to find an answer. It should always be pursued from a scientific approach that weighs benefits and risks.

Committee Chairperson

Yoshiharu　Yonekura
Professor
Osaka University

Duration

April 2019 to March 2024 (First term, Five years)