Researchers from our center Share Lessons from Fukushima at the 72nd Radiation Research Society Annual Meeting

The 72nd Annual Meeting of the Radiation Research Society (RRS) was held on October 4–7, 2026, on Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA. On October 6, a joint session with the Japanese Radiation Research Society (JRRS), titled “The Fukushima Nuclear Accident: Fifteen Years of Lessons and Lasting Legacy,” was held.

Two invited speakers from our center, the Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Executive Director YASUMURA Seiji and Vice Director TSUBOKURA Masaharu, delivered presentations entitled “Health Situation and Future Lessons in Fukushima: Findings from the Fukushima Health Management Survey” and “Protective Action Optimization after Fukushima: Integrating Indirect Health Effects and Healthcare Continuity,” respectively.

Their presentations highlighted the activities and findings of the Fukushima Health Management Survey, and they underscored the importance of continued epidemiological studies to monitor long-term health outcomes following a nuclear accident and safeguard the health of affected residents. The presentations also addressed the health and social consequences unrelated to radiation exposure, particularly those associated with evacuation, and shared lessons from Fukushima to help strengthen preparedness for future nuclear emergencies.

The presentations prompted numerous questions from the audience, reflecting strong interest in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident and the responses implemented in its aftermath. At the same time, the discussions underscored that even among researchers specializing in radiation effects, understanding of the current situation in Fukushima and the health and social challenges that have emerged since the accident is not always comprehensive.

The joint session provided a valuable opportunity to share FMU’s ongoing efforts and insights gained from Fukushima with researchers from around the world. It also reinforced the importance of proactively communicating the findings of the Fukushima Health Management Survey, the current situation in Fukushima, and the lessons learned from the nuclear disaster through various opportunities in Japan and abroad, thereby promoting a broader understanding of these issues.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Sara Dumit, Los Alamos National Laboratory