RERF actively participates in international collaborations. This makes the experience and knowledge gained through our studies on A-bomb survivors widely available for the benefit of the world. Such activity includes cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has issued recommendations on radiation exposure dose limits based on RERF study results, and the recommendations have been promulgated throughout the world. RERF has thus contributed to the establishment of global radiation protection standards.

Accordingly, several projects were initiated as a consequence of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986. One was the Hiroshima International Council for Health Care of the Radiation-exposed (HICARE), organized on the basis of collaboration among Hiroshima Prefecture and City, local medical associations, universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The Nagasaki Association of Hibakushas’ Medical Care (NASHIM), operated by Nagasaki City and Prefecture, local medical associations, and other related organizations, was another such project. The purpose of these projects is to train physicians and researchers from countries where people have been exposed to radiation. RERF annually accepts more than 100 short-term trainees and several long-term trainees through these projects.

In 1996, the A-bomb Dome was designated a world heritage site. This designation was very important to the city where the A-bomb was dropped. At the same time, we must remain mindful of those people all over the world who have been exposed to radiation and consider Hiroshima and Nagasaki to be the places where they can acquire the best knowledge about radiation exposure. RERF’s mission, to contribute to the welfare and medical care of A-bomb survivors, also includes contribution to medical treatment and health studies for people throughout the world exposed to radiation. We hope that our knowledge and experience can make this research institution worthy of the recognition Hiroshima and Nagasaki claim around the world. To this end, RERF considers close collaboration and cooperation with the local communities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to be of utmost importance.