Understanding low dose radiation exposure effects: MELODI's views on developing international cooperation.

The paper presents, from a European point of view, the combined scientific and sociological rationale for further development of research into the biological effects and risks related to population exposures to low dose/low dose rate ionizing radiation. It further explains how this rationale led to the constitution, at European level, of the MELODI Association, to foster innovative and multidisciplinary research programs dedicated to this objective, and driven by a consensus-based Strategic Research Agenda (SRA). Finally, the paper suggests that this evolution towards a more integrated and multi-disciplinary approach to research in the field of low dose/dose rate radiation exposure effects and related risks could lead to new research opportunities also at an international level.