Future of Chernobyl research: the urgency for consolidated action

In a new commentary published in The Lancet, researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) highlight the importance of pursuing research on populations affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, to better understand the effects of radiation on human health.

A detailed and prioritized research strategy was developed, in agreement with the relevant authorities in the affected countries, by the Cooperation on Chernobyl Health Research (CO-CHER) project, a research-facilitating initiative carried out in 2014–2016 and coordinated by IARC. An absence of funding has halted the implementation of these research plans. The researchers argue there is a high risk that unique and valuable scientific opportunities will be irretrievably lost as a result.

Ostroumova E, Schüz J, Kesminiene A
Future of Chernobyl research: the urgency for consolidated action
Lancet, Published 28 March 2020;
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30675-9

Read the commentary