DoReMi Network of Excellence

Facts and figures:

• DoReMi – Low Dose Research towards Multidisciplinary Integration
• Coordinator: Sisko Salomaa, STUK, Finland Contact:Sisko.Salomaa@stuk.fi
• Project type: Network of Excellence
• Duration: 1 January 2010 – 31 December 2015
• Total budget: 21,5 M€
• Total EC contribution: 13 M€
• Funded by: European Atomic Energy Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2011) under grant agreement n° 249689

Aims and objectives

The aim of the DoReMi was to promote sustainable integration of low dose risk research in Europe in order to more effectively resolve the key policy questions identified by the ‘High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on Low Dose Risk Research’ (www.hleg.de), namely the shape(s) of dose response relation-ship(s), variation in risk between individuals, tissue sensitivity for cancer, radiation quality, risks from internal exposures and non-cancer effects. The DoReMi addressed the health risks of low doses of ionising radiation such as those that are encountered in the environment, occupationally and in the course of medical diagnostic procedures.

How robust is the system of radiation protection and risk assessment? The current system of radiation protection makes judgements in several important areas: the four blue boxes indicate judgements that fall directly within the system of protection against the low dose radiation effects as recommended by ICRP, whereas the boxes on the right identify issues that are, at present, included only to a minor degree.

Abstract

The aim of DoReMi is to promote the sustainable integration of low dose risk research in Europe in order to aid the effective resolution of the key policy questions identified by the High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on Low Dose Risk Research (www.hleg.de).

DoReMi provides an operational tool for the development of the proposed MELODI platform (Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Risk Research Initiative) consisting of major national bodies and research programmes that have long term commitment in low dose risk research in Europe.

A Letter of Intent between the core members of MELODI has been signed in April 2009. During the project, new members are expected to join the Initiative.

The Joint Programme of Activities (JPA) of DoReMi includes:

1. a Joint Programme of Research (JPR) covering the issues outlined above and providing an overview of the needs for research infra-structures of pan-European interest and facilitating multilateral initiatives leading to better use and development of research infrastructures;
2. a Joint Programme of Integration (JPI) to develop a coordinated European roadmap for the long term needs of the key players in Europe; and
3. a Joint Programme for the Spreading of Excellence (JPSE), covering knowledge management, training and mobility and its implementation.

The JPR focuses on the areas identified by the HLEG as the most promising in terms of addressing/resolving the key policy questions, namely: the shape of dose response curve for cancer, individual susceptibilities and non-cancer effects. Radiation quality, tissue sensitivity and internal exposures will be addressed as cross cutting themes within the three main research areas. A substantial proportion of the JPA will be dedicated to the joint programme of research.

The programme describes a multidisciplinary approach including interfaces with the broader biological toxicological and epidemiological communities. Strategic planning will be carried out in close collaboration with MELODI.

The long term Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) will be developed by MELODI, whereas DoReMi research priorities are based on a shorter term Transitional Research Agenda (TRA), focusing on goals that are feasible to achieve within the 6 year project and areas where barriers need to be removed in order to proceed with the longer term strategic objectives.