Organizing Institution: Conexus Nuclear Inc.
Sponsors: Conexus Nuclear Inc.; International Association for Radiation
Research; International Union of Radioecology
Organizing Committee: Ralph Stube, Carmel Mothersill, Edouard Azzam
Executive Summary
This interdisciplinary two-day workshop was convened to assess the current state of knowledge on the biological and health effects of low-dose and low dose-rate ionizing radiation, with the goal of identifying scientific advances, persistent uncertainties, and research priorities relevant to radiation protection and public health. The program was intentionally structured to integrate mechanistic, epidemiological, ecological, and communication perspectives, reflecting the multifaceted nature of low-dose radiation science and the need for cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Sessions I–VIII spanned a wide range of experimental systems, exposure scenarios, and analytical approaches. Presentations addressed cellular and molecular mechanisms, dose-response relationships, sex- and tissue-specific effects, epidemiological evidence, and the application of emerging technologies such as omics, advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, systems biology, as well as risk communication approaches. Together, these sessions highlighted both progress in detecting subtle biological responses at low doses and the challenges of extrapolating findings across biological scales and exposure contexts.
The workshop also devoted focused attention to ecological effects of radiation, emphasizing non-human biota and ecosystem-level considerations that extend beyond human-centric risk models. Radioecological case studies, long-term field investigations, and conceptual frameworks illustrated ecosystem resilience, context dependence, and the limitations of reductionist approaches in predicting environmental outcomes. These discussions reinforced the
importance of aligning measurement endpoints with ecological protection goals.
National and international coordination featured prominently, with presentations outlining structured efforts to harmonize research strategies, share data and infrastructure, and strengthen the policy relevance of low-dose research. Initiatives such as the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) High-Level Group on Low-Dose Research and the Canadian Radiation Research
Network were highlighted as mechanisms for advancing coordinated, evidence-based approaches at both national and global levels.
The program included a panel discussion and dedicated open forums that encouraged active exchange among participants, fostering critical reflection on uncertainty, risk assessment, and communication challenges. An end-of-day dialogue on Day 1 allowed themes to be synthesized across sessions, revealing areas of consensus and divergence and helping to frame subsequent discussions. In addition, student poster presentations showcased developing research across biodosimetry, radiobiology, epidemiology, ecology, and space radiation, underscoring the importance of training and sustaining a diverse, highly skilled workforce. Collectively, these components provided a comprehensive platform for advancing understanding, collaboration, and strategic direction in low-dose radiation research.
> Download the Summary of the Workshop proceedings
> Links to video recordings
November 17, morning: https://cloudx.conexusnuclear.online/index.php/s/wxCi19FJ79l33t8
November 17, afternoon 1st part: https://cloudx.conexusnuclear.online/index.php/s/wxCi19FJ79l33t8
November 17, afternoon 2nd part: https://cloudx.conexusnuclear.online/index.php/s/wxCi19FJ79l33t8
November 18, morning: https://cloudx.conexusnuclear.online/index.php/s/wxCi19FJ79l33t8
November 18, afternoon: https://cloudx.conexusnuclear.online/index.php/s/wxCi19FJ79l33t8