Home > Outline >
We
have always lived with radiation in a variety of ways. The discovery of X-rays
at the end of the 19th century initiated the effective utilization of radiation.
Now, people receive a broad range of benefits from radiation and radioactive
materials. At the same time, however, radioactive contamination and exposure
to radiation pose serious risk to human health and the environment. There is
no doubt that the application of radiation and the radioactive materials is
becoming ever more important in many fields including medical services. We
must always assess negative risks accurately in order to obtain utmost benefit
safely.
National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) is the
only institution in Japan dedicated to comprehensive scientific research for
radiation and health.
Experts of many fields collaborate in research and development to enhance
the levels of radiological sciences. NIRS has started its second five-year-term
project as an independent administrative institution in April, 2006, focusing
on two major scientific fields; 1) radiation-related life science research,
and 2) radiation safety and emergency medical services for radiation exposure.
This plan forms the basis of our efforts to contribute to the scientific
and
technical advancement as well as to the public health. The life science research
includes heavy charged particle therapy for cancer treatment, assessment
of radiation effects for radiotherapy, and molecular imaging for early diagnosis
and treatment planning. In order to achieve these missions, NIRS promotes
the
scientific research and provides the opportunity of education and training
for students, researchers and technical staff.
NIRS has conducted various activities as an institution with
advanced equipments and personnel with expertise in a wide range of professional
fields including
medical science, physics, engineering, chemistry and pharmaceutical science.
We continue our efforts to realize our mission and to establish NIRS as
a center of excellence open to the public and the scientific community.
Yoshiharu Yonekura,M.D., Ph.D.
President,
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institute of Radiological Sciences