The Workshop on Preservation and Utilization of Biosamples (such as blood and urine) took place over a total of four days at the end of February and the beginning of March.

Progress in research based on the utilization of biosamples is allowing RERF to draw closer to its ultimate goal. That goal is mechanistic elucidation of how radiation contributes to the onset of disease, knowledge that could lead to the development of preventive measures and early diagnostic methods for such diseases.

To achieve this goal, we must start to clarify the conditions optimal for preservation of biosamples and investigate whether various substances included in biosamples have undergone change as well as to what degree such transformation is happening related to the biosample–preservation process. At the same time, it is necessary to construct a database that links biosamples with epidemiological and clinical information such as lifestyle habits to enable researchers to efficiently utilize the biosamples in their work.

The purpose of this workshop was to gather information and exchange views on techniques to reach the aforementioned objectives.

• Themes: Omics Analysis and Quality Control of Biosamples,
     Integrated Database for Utilization of Biosamples
• Schedule: February 18, 19, 22, and March 1, 2019
• Location: Radiation Effects Research Foundation, Auditorium (Hiroshima RERF) and
     3rd Conference Room (Nagasaki RERF by teleconference)