Basic Policy of Radiation Effects Research Foundation
Concerning Protection of Personal Information

The objectives of the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) shall be to conduct research and studies, for peaceful purposes, on the medical effects of radiation on humans and on diseases which may be affected by radiation, with a view to contribution to the maintenance of the health and welfare of atomic bomb survivors and enhancement of the health of all humankind.
Results of RERF studies are now utilized worldwide for the purposes of radiation-related medicine and safety. We are grateful to the A-bomb survivors for their support and continue to make efforts to respect their human rights and strictly manage their personal information.
RERF intends to properly handle personal information in observance of the following items:
  1. RERF, in handling personal information, pledges to comply with the Act on the Protection of Personal Information and other relevant laws and ordinances.
  2. RERF, in conducting research and studies, pledges to comply with the Ethical Guidelines for Life-Science and Medical Research Involving Human Subjects issued by the national government (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/ Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). In addition, RERF will strive to protect personal information by implementing the following steps:
    • (1) RERF, prior to conducting research and studies, will have the Institutional Review Board review research protocols concerned for compliance of the protocols with the national ethical guidelines, and will not initiate the research and studies concerned without approval from the board.
    • (2) RERF, when obtaining personal information, will inform the individuals from whom the information was obtained of the purpose of use of the personal information in advance, except an exception is granted in accordance with laws and ordinances.
    • (3) RERF will not provide personal information to any third party without consent from the individuals from whom information was obtained, except when cases are considered exceptions in accordance with laws and ordinances.
    • (4) RERF, when outsourcing activities to other medical institutions, will choose reliable organizations and conclude work contracts with the other party to ensure proper handling of A-bomb survivors’ personal information.
    • (5) RERF will disclose personal information in its custody when requested by the individual from whom information was obtained.
  3. RERF will continue to strive to maintain internal rules and regulations and to build institutional and information systems to ensure the protection of personal information.
Effective October 11, 2005
Revised on June 30, 2021
Revised on March 13, 2025
Kenji Kamiya
Chair, Radiation Effects Research Foundation
For inquiries on the above basic policy, please contact:
Personal Information Protection Consultation Service, General Affairs Section, Secretariat
Phone: 082-261-3131 / Fax: 082-263-7279