June 2008

This report summarizes the findings of the Senior Review Panel’s review of the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) scientific projects and future research plans. It also includes a necessity of discussions between the Japanese and U.S. governments and RERF concerning what RERF should be after conclusion of its cohort studies. 

In early 2006, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) entered discussions on the formation of a panel to review future plans for RERF. As a result, the panel, referred to as the Senior Review Panel on Future Planning for RERF (SRP), was established by the two governments.  In June 2008, the SRP released its report on RERF future research plan to DOE and MHLW.