DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program Workshop I Abstracts November 10-12, 1999, Washington, D.C.

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

Antone L. Brooks
Washington State University, Tricities, 2700 University Drive, Richland, WA 99352
tbrooks@tricity.wsu.edu

Summary: The overall goal of this project is to provide scientific, technical and organizational support to optimize the impact of the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program.

Background: The information generated in the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program must not only be scientifically sound, but also needs to be conveyed to the scientific community in a open and timely manner and to the general public in a meaningful way. The objective of this project is to help insure that the best science is funded, that the value of the information generated is high relative to its usefulness in policy making and that the program is credible to the public.

Specific Aims: The specific aims of this project are: 1) to provide scientific and technical support for the DOE research program, 2) to facilitate the interactions between DOE, scientists, regulatory and scientific committees, and other government and regulatory agencies, and 3) to provide a focal point for generation of educational materials and communication of research results between the scientists, decision makers and the public.

Deliverables: To meet these specific aims, this project will review the scientific and technical content of all the funded projects and provide them with input and direction. It will help DOE organize, conduct, and summarize meaningful contractors meetings. It will also facilitate other scientific and public forums. An outcome of the project will be timely publication of scientific developments in the open literature for use by the agencies which have the responsibility to make decisions concerning radiation standards. The project will develop mechanisms to convey the information to the general public, such as websites, and educational material for students. These communications will help insure that appropriate and adequate protection from exposures to low levels of radiation is available to the public. These products will optimize the impact of the research conducted under the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program.