| Chair(s): |
Dominique LAURIER, France |
Secretary: |
Jacqueline GARNIER-LAPLACE (jacqueline.garnier-laplace@oecd-nea.org) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vice-Chair(s): |
Vinita CHAUHAN, Canada Dmitry KLOKOV, France Paul LOCKE, United States | ||
| Member(s): | All NEA member countries* | ||
| Russia (Suspended*) | |||
| *Russian Federation suspended pursuant to a decision of the OECD Council. | |||
| Full participant(s): |
European Commission Under the NEA Statute | ||
| Observer(s)(International Organisation): |
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) By agreement | ||
| Date of creation: | 01 June 2021 | ||
| End of mandate: | 31 May 2024 |
Mandate (Document reference):
Mandate (Document extract):
Extract of document NEA/CRPPH(2020)7
Mandate
Background
Analyses of epidemiological data, in particular from atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, are the fundamental basis of the radiological protection system as they support the assumption made for radiological protection purposes that, for low-dose, low-dose-rate exposures (i.e. below 100 mSv or below 0.1 mSv/minute), stochastic effects (e.g. cancer risk) are assumed to follow a dose response with no threshold. Due to uncertainties in the area of low dose/ low-dose rate health risks, the adoption of the Linear Non-Threshold (LNT) extrapolation model remains controversial. Current knowledge in radiobiology at low doses or low-dose rates also shows that mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis are much more complex than considered a few decades ago. Uncertainties also apply for some non-cancer effects where dose thresholds might be lower than previously considered. Integration of epidemiological and biological research results appears today as a way to improve knowledge in low dose and low-dose rate health risks. Reducing the uncertainty in the latter would enhance the robustness of the radiological protection system, it could improve radiological protection decisions and leverage communication on ionising radiation risk to the public.
The importance of low-dose/low-dose rate research is widely recognised and it is pursued by multiple publicly funded organisations (e.g. specialised government agencies, national research foundations, the European Commission). There are efforts made on national and regional level to collaborate and co-ordinate the broad range of research activities already done and ongoing across the globe. In order to leverage these efforts, it is important to develop a worldwide network of low-dose/low-dose rate effect research funding and implementing organisations to provide meta-coordination on a global level.
The NEA Committee on Radiological Protection and Public Health (CRPPH) at its 77th meeting recommended that an ad-hoc High-level Group on Low-Dose Research (HLG-LDR) should be created to examine the situation and to propose a way forward. An initial group of research funding and implementing organisations developed a vision and a broad approach to facilitate the identification of ongoing and planned research programmes to be co‑ordinated. The CRPPH agreed at its 78th meeting to establish HLG-LDR as a level-two NEA body to address global low dose research co-ordination.
Scope
The HLG-LDR will support radiological protection policy, regulation and implementation choices by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of research through global networking for the co-ordination of ongoing and future low-dose research projects. The HLG-LDR will facilitate the communication of research project objectives and results to stakeholders.
Objectives
The specific objective of the HLG-LDR is to build a global network that facilitates collaboration among ongoing and planned low-dose / low-dose rate ionising radiation research programmes and encourages the collective sharing of information and resources.
To achieve this, the HLG-LDR will:
i) develop approaches and tools to share information on ongoing and planned research worldwide as well as to improve structuring the existing knowledge on radiation-induced effects on humans and non-human species;
ii) use these approaches and tools to identify research gaps in the field of low-dose / low-dose rate effects, and develop mechanisms for prioritisation and co-ordination worldwide;
iii) share experience such that research planning, implementation and result reporting can be efficiently and effectively communicated to decision makers and other relevant stakeholders.
Working methods
The HLG-LDR will conduct its activities through plenary meetings (once a year, and more, as needed, upon decision of the working party and taking into account the Secretariat’s resources) and through the organisation of seminars and workshops as agreed by the members of the HLG‑LDR.
The HLG-LDR will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair(s) among its members (Bureau). The Bureau co-ordinates and facilitates the work of the HG-LDR. The Bureau would preferably meet twice a year, with one meeting normally held in conjunction with the annual plenary meeting.
The HLG-LDR reports to the CRPPH at least once per year.
Additionally, the HLG-LDR
i) identifies resources and schedules its activities. Activities of the HLG-LDR will be financed at least partially by voluntary contributions;
ii) forms ad hoc bodies to work on specific projects and to organise workshops, as appropriate; and
iii) creates topical groups for more task oriented work in consultation with the CRPPH.
Membership
The HLG-LDR delegates shall be composed of CRPPH nominated representatives from NEA member countries. Delegates shall include a diverse range of senior specialists who have considerable experience and knowledge in the area of low-dose/low-dose rate research activities. This representation will be wide-ranging, and include research funding and implementing specialists.
Interactions
The HLG-LDR will interact as appropriate with other NEA standing technical committees, OECD Directorates and national organisations of NEA member countries.
Where appropriate, experts of relevant international organisations or international fora may be invited to attend the meetings and contribute to the HLG-LDR’s work. Such relevant organisations are for example:
The principles underpinning these interactions are identifying synergies, co-ordinating efforts and avoiding duplication of work optimising resources.
Deliverables
In order to clearly structure the programme of work of the HLG-LDR, each specific objective described above will be achieved through the implementation of a specific task as follows:
The HLG-LDR, with the support of the Secretariat will produce reports and other documents deemed appropriate by its members and the CRPPH to improve the dissemination of information regarding low-dose/low-dose rate research co-ordination.
