Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) continues to perform state-of-the-art science; researchers have completed epidemiological cancer incidence analyses from 1958-2009 and are transitioning to cancer incidence and cancer and non-cancer mortality analyses with follow-up through 2019. RERF successfully completed a pilot for the Trio Genome Study, demonstrating the feasibility of using whole genome sequencing of parent-child trios to assess whether radiation-induced mutations are heritable in humans.

RERF continues to develop novel techniques for assessing clinical and genomic data. Non-research highlights include a visit from a U.S. Congressional Staff Delegation that garnered interest from the Senate Appropriations Committee Energy and Water Development Subcommittee (Senator Patty Murray), a successful Quality Assurance Review of the RERF Human Subjects Protection Program, and engagement with local, national, and international stakeholders on ongoing research and its benefits to atomic bomb survivor health and human health more generally. RERF initiated a Research Resource Center to integrate data across disciplines and began construction of a new RERF laboratory building at Hiroshima University Kasumi Campus.

The National Academies identified and interviewed multiple candidates and successfully recruited a new U.S. Chief Scientist whose start date is in Japanese FY2025. Planning for future fiscal years includes a more flexible work schedule for employees and cross-appointments to retain research staff and increase scientific expertise without substantially increasing costs.

See the full document below for research and other highlights, challenges and solutions, and future innovations.

• Annual Report, DOE Japan Program April 2024 - April 2025 (288.98 KB)