20 Dec (NucNet): Four European research organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding towards the consolidation and implementation of “a strategic vision” for radiation protection research, France’s Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN) has said.
The MoU was signed between the European research platform Melodi (Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative), the European Radioecology Alliance (Alliance), Neris and Eurados.
The aim is to form a network between European research partners aimed at resolving major scientific questions on radiation protection practices in Europe.
IRSN said in a statement that over the last few years the idea has slowly grown of forming networks and associations between European research partners to promote joint research needs, establish strategic priorities, and develop cooperation in the implementation of research, in particular through better integration of national R&D programmes.
The four organisations agreed to establish a committee that will coordinate research agendas and roadmaps. Melodi will be responsible for the administration of the coordination.
Melodi, Alliance, Neris and Eurados were established to focus on specific research areas: Melodi focuses on low-dose ionising radiation research, Alliance looks at research initiatives on radioecology, Neris focuses on emergency preparedness and response, and the governance of post-accidental situations, and Eurados specialises in dosimetry.
The cooperation between the four organisations was initiated under the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7) through the Open Project for the European Radiation Research Area (Operra). Operra aims to establish structures for managing long-term European research programmes in radiation protection.
