Japan Program: Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF)

Background: The Department of Energy Office of Health and Safety funds studies of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors at the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The RERF program is believed to have the longest history of any ongoing international research program. DOE and its predecessor agencies have provided support since 1947. The Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC) initiated studies on the effects of radiation exposure in survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki within two years of the bombings. In 1975, RERF was established under Japanese law as full successor to the ABCC and was designated to continue the research. The Act of Endowment states that the objective of the RERF is "to conduct research and studies, for peaceful purposes, on medical effects of radiation on man and on diseases which may be affected by radiation, with a view to contributing to the maintenance of the health and welfare of atomic bomb survivors and to the enhancement of the health of all mankind." The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) and the DOE Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) co-fund the RERF program.

The Life Span Study is the major RERF epidemiologic study that generates data on cancer incidence, cancer mortality, and non-cancer effects in relation to radiation dose. The RERF research program also includes in-utero, genetic, mechanistic, and clinical (Adult Health Studies) studies, as well as, follow-up studies on the children of the survivors (F1 studies). Details on research progress can be found on the RERF website: http://www.rerf.or.jp

The results of RERF research are the primary basis for radiation protection standards throughout the world. The radiation risk estimates rely on an accurate dosimetry system. The dosimetry system DS02 was put in place in 2003 and a major compendium of papers defining the system has been published in February 2006.

Accomplishments:

Collaboration between DOE and MHLW has resulted in progress on a number of issues related to the funding and management of the RERF.
- A series of 5-year agreements between MHLW and DOE has led to stable funding for RERF and increased accountability. The latest 5-year agreement was signed on November 7, 2005.

DOE and MHLW developed a plan for completion of needed atomic bomb dosimetry studies, including timeline, research tasks, and funding responsibilities.
DOE and MHLW supported the Blue Ribbon Panel Report of 1996 Blue Ribbon Panel Report and promoted the highest standards of independent peer review of the RERF scientific projects through the Science Council and other appropriate mechanisms.
DOE and MHLW agreed to support another senior panel to review the scientific progress and plans of RERF and make recommendations concerning the future of RERF. The Senior Review Panel report will be issued in 2008.

A new cooperative agreement between the National Academy of Sciences' Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board and DOE has been established in FY06, with the current focus of hiring Americans researchers in the fields of statistics and epidemiology to work at RERF.
Facilitation has resulted in increased collaboration between RERF and U.S. institutions in various focus areas: University of Washington in epidemiology/statistics, University of Tennessee College of Nursing in homeland security studies, and the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) in cytogenetic biodosimetry.