Optimizing the Scientific, Regulatory and Societal Impact of the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program

Antone L. Brooks and Lezlie A. Couch Washington State University Tri-Cities, Richland WA.

The goal of this project is to optimize the impact of the research conducted by the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program through communication and outreach. The Projects accomplishes the outreach goals through scientific meetings, as well as by operating and being responsible for the scientific content of a Website: http//lowdose.energy.gov.

The Website contains Program contact information and publications from the DOE Low Dose Research Program. It also has easily available publications on the biological effects of low dose radiation exposure that were not funded by the Program. Links to sites for each of the past and currently funded research projects are presented and WebPages provided for each Program principle investigator. A calendar of upcoming scientific meetings related to low dose radiation research, links to other Websites involved in funding and conducting research in the low dose region, and database searches are readily available on the Website. Frequently asked questions and slide shows provide summaries of the research to address questions raised by the public.

Dr. Brooks continues to serve on editorial, scientific and review committees for DOE, NASA, NCRP, ICRU and EPA. Dr. Brooks is the chairman and helped organize the 2008 NCRP annual meeting, “Low Dose and Low Dose-Rate Radiation Effects and Models” that is being held April 14-15 of 2008. This meeting provides an excellent format for review of scientific results, discussion of the implications of the data and potential implication of the research on government policy and radiation standards. The Optimization Project has been important in disseminating information about the potential health effects of low dose and dose-rate exposure to both the scientific community and the public.

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