The International Conference on Radiation Biology (ICRB 2016) and 13th Biennial Meeting of the Indian Society for Radiation Biology under the aegis of Indian Society for Radiation Biology (ISRB) and the Center for Environmental Nuclear Research (CENR) of SRM University, was held from November 9th to 11th, 2016 on the theme of "High-linear energy transfer (LET) Radiation Biology and Complex Natural Products in Biology and Medicine".
This conference brought together researchers in radiation oncology, radiation biology, medical physics, nuclear medicine, radio-ecology and radiation safety who discussed ways of improving human health and quality of life and exploring new avenues for research and development besides fostering new collaborations among scientists around the world in radiation biology and therapy.
Radiotherapy is a critical treatment modality of comprehensive cancer treatment, for many cancer types in rapidly developing countries like India. The number of cancer patients who will require radiation therapy is expected to rise and at present there is a severe short-fall in radiation therapy facilities such as linear accelerators as well as state-of-the-art particle therapy centers. Furthermore, it is equally important to develop a proper educated workforce in these fields to keep pace with the global demand to treat this malady.
In conjunction with ICRB 2016, the 16th International workshop on Ion Beam in Biology and Medicine (IBIBAM-2016) has also been organized in association with The European Network for LIGht ion Hadron Therapy, The European Organization for Nuclear Research, Geneva, Switzerland, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai and the Apollo Group of Hospitals, India, to discuss translational aspects of physics, biology and radiation oncology and discuss treatment planning challenges in disease sites on Nov 12 and 13, 2016.
Given the expanding knowledge of the role of the microbiome and other environmental effects on cancer risk, immune status and diseases in general, the understanding of the biology of natural products is also of high interest. In this context, a dedicated session led by the experts from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) who discussed the biological effects of low-level radiation.
Over 300 delegates with 60 faculty members from India, USA, UK, Europe, China and Japan participated in this interactive event.
The ICRB 2016 was inaugurated on 9th Nov 2016 at 5.30 PM by Dr. May Abdel – Wahab, Director, IAEA, Austria and Dr.Ajay K.Singh, Director, INMAS, Delhi was the Guest of Honor. Vice Chancellor of SRM University presided over the function. The Controller of Examinations, Director Medical and Organizing Committee members of SRM University also honored the event.
