Faculty development program in probabilistic Lowdose radiation risk estimation, at the Columbia University center for radiological research

The Fukushima accident in 2011 emphasized major gaps in our understanding of the potential health effects associated with low doses of ionizing radiation. These gaps seriously impact our ability to make optimal science-driven decisions in response to a major nuclear event in the United States, accidental or otherwise. While large-scale radiological events are obvious issues of concern, other issues such as the need for science-based policies regarding the potential expansion of nuclear power, cleanup of radioactively contaminated sites and the potential for radiological terrorism, require a level of research and scientific expertise that the US is rapidly losing. In particular there is concern about a critical decrease in the number of low dose risk estimation experts who will be available to assist in high-level policy and decision making. Our goal is to recruit a tenure-track Assistant Professor to expand and complement the ongoing lowdose radiation risk assessment program at the Center for Radiological Research (CRR) at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). The focus will be on Level 3 Probabilistic Risk Analysis relating to potential human health consequences after low-dose radiation exposure. We propose a new Faculty Development Program with five central components: Training, Mentoring, Evaluation, Management and Sustainability. It will build on: 1) The existing experience and expertise at the Center for Radiological Research - which is in its centenary year - in low-dose radiation risk estimation; 2) Already in-place Junior Faculty Development and Mentorship Programs at CUMC and CRR; 3) A new Masters program at CUMC/CRR in Radiological Sciences, commencing in 2016; 4) Matching funds for the new Program, provided by the Dean of the Columbia Medical School.