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Fukushima and Hiroshima: Hiroshima University to train specialists in new program of “Radiation Damage Restoration Studies”

by Yu Yamada, Staff Writer

On August 23, Hiroshima University announced that it will launch a new program on “Radiation Damage Restoration Studies” in the next academic year, beginning in April 2012. The program will seek to train specialists who can contribute to the restoration of areas affected by accidents at nuclear power plants and other disasters involving radiation. In the wake of the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 (Daiichi) nuclear power plant, it has been pointed out that the human resources equipped with the expertise to deal with radiation-related incidents are insufficient. The program will therefore provide participants with expertise that incorporates a broad range of areas, including medicine and environmental studies.

The program will be geared to graduate students of the university. A variety of students in the graduate schools at Hiroshima University, including the faculties of medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, engineering, and education, will be eligible to enter the program. Students from these graduate schools will pursue the program for a total of four or five years in conjunction with their graduate studies. The university plans to accept up to 10 students in the first year and up to 10 students each year after that.

In addition to faculty members from Hiroshima University, specialists from Fukushima University, Fukushima Medical University, and the National Institute of Radiological Sciences, located in the city of Chiba, will provide instruction for the program as visiting lecturers. Students will also travel to Fukushima Prefecture to measure levels of radiation there, as well as undertake training sessions at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other organizations.

To restore areas despoiled by radiation, specialists with knowledge of a range of fields are needed. The curriculum for the program thus covers such areas as medicine, environmental studies, engineering, science, agriculture, sociology, education, and psychology.

Toshimasa Asahara, the president of Hiroshima University, spoke at a press conference held at the school's campus in Higashi Hiroshima, saying, “We would like to contribute to the restoration of areas affected by radiation by providing specialists for administrative organs and companies.”

(Originally published on August 24, 2011)

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