Members of the UKHSA Cytogenetics Group are internationally recognised as leading experts in research to identify, develop and validate biomarkers of radiation exposure. These can be used to provide an indication of radiation dose received by individuals in routine cases of suspected overexposure as well as for triage of large numbers of suspected exposed individuals in a radiation emergency. This work feeds directly into our Chromosomal Dosimetry Service.

CDS staff have published prolifically, with over 400 papers in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Current research in this area is in partnership with

• World Health Organization Biodosimetry Network
• International Atomic Energy Agency
• EU CONCERT radiation protection research programme
• RENEB Biodosimetry Network
• European Radiation Dosimetry Group
• Imperial College, King's College London and the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge through the new NIHR funded Health Protection Research Units in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards and Environmental Exposures and Health
• and many others academic partners and radiation research institutes across Europe and worldwide.

Who we are we?

The Group consists of six full time members of staff who are experts in practical laboratory cytogenetics and the associated data analysis, routine and emergency biodosimetry, radiation protection and a number of associated academic research topics. The Group is led by Liz Ainsbury.

The RENEB project and network

Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry (RENEB) was an EU (Framework 7) funded project which ran from 2012 - 2015. PHE played a key role in the project, contributing to development and standardisation of protocols, communication, training and quality management for use of biological and physical retrospective dosimetry assays for emergency response. At the start of 2016, RENEB was rebranded as 'Running the European Network of Biodosimetry and Physical Retrospective dosimetry, a functioning network with participants from over 23 institutions in 16 countries who are ready to work together to respond to a large scale radiation accident or incident within Europe or elsewhere. For more information see www.reneb.eu and the publications in the special IJRB journal issue.

Wider research interests

CDS staff have expertise in general radiation protection, including whole body irradiation syndromes, cancer pathology and non-cancer effects including radiation cataractogenesis. Contact us to discuss your advice, training or collaborative research needs.

Find out more about our research here.