UNSCEAR sessions

55th session of UNSCEAR

The Committee decided that its next session (the 55th) will take place at the Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria from 21 to 25 May 2007. Peter Burns of Australia is Chairman, Norman Gentner of Canada is Vice-Chairman, and Wolfgang Weiss of Germany is Rapporteur.

54th session of UNSCEAR

The 54th session of UNSCEAR took place at the Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria from 29 May to 2 June 2006. Peter Burns of Australia was chairman. Norman Gentner of Canada was vice-chairman. Christian Streffer of Germany was Rapporteur.

The Committee approved five documents for publication in 2006 on:

• Epidemiological studies of radiation and cancer
• Epidemiological evaluation and dose response of diseases other than cancer
• Non-targeted and delayed effects of exposure to ionizing radiation
• Effects of ionizing radiation on the immune system
• Sources-to-effects assessment for radon in homes and workplaces

It provided feedback and comment on drafts of other documents submitted by the Secretariat:

• Medical radiation exposures
• Exposures of workers and the public from various sources of radiation
• Exposures from radiation accidents
• Effects of ionizing radiation on non-human biota

It also discussed matters relating to its annual progress report to the General Assembly, its work on assessing the consequences of the Chernobyl accident, and financial, management, procedural and other matters.

During the session, the mayor of Vienna hosted a reception for invited high-level dignitaries, diplomats and scientists to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of UNSCEAR.