NIRS-IAEA Workshop on Cytogenetic Biodosimetry for Asia 2011 & NIRS-ISTC Workshop on Cytogenetic Biodosimetry in cooperation with WHO

1. Background Radiation is essential in modern life, and demand for electricity is growing in the Asian countries. Many countries have a plan for building a nuclear power plant. Whereas accidents with significant radiation exposure rarely occur, medical preparedness for such accidents is vital. There are also new concerns regarding emergency response against the threat of malicious acts using radioactive materials. Dose estimation is essential for responding to these radiation accidents. Chromosome analysis is one of the best methods for dose estimation. Since the number of the experts and the information in this field are limited, establishment of the system for exchange of information and to unify the available conventional as well as state of the art biological assays should initiate collaborations among experts in this specific field of research and lead to a smooth medical response and also maintaining the function of biodosimetry, and to apply properly whenever is needed.\n2. Objectives The aim of our 1st workshop in 2008 was to exchange information on researchers, knowledge and skills in the cytogenetic biodosimetry and to discuss the latest approaches for dose estimation by chromosome analysis for radiation exposures. In the 2nd workshop, we would like to continue to exchange information with different groups, to unify experimental protocols using standard guidelines for cytogenetic biodosimetry, such as the IAEA Manual 405 (2001), and the new one that is in press (2011). We would like to share information and to generate cooperations, collaborations and networking among Asian countries and member states of ISTC, especially for biodosimetry in population triage in scenarios of mass casualties. This goal will be greatly facilitated by interacting with experts who are attempting to develop the infrastructure