Key results and possible future endeavors of the Russian health studies program

In 1994, the United States and the Russian Federation signed an agreement to cooperate in research on radiation effects, establishing the Joint Coordinating Committee for Radiation Effects Research (JCCRER). Over the past 30 years, the JCCRER has focused on understanding the health effects of chronic radiation exposure, particularly in the Mayak Production Association facilities and surrounding areas. The research has led to significant advancements in radiation protection, with projects categorized into public exposures and effects, and worker exposures and effects. Key projects include dose reconstruction, cancer risk estimation, and the development of dosimetry models. The collaboration has resulted in numerous scientific publications and has set a precedent for future international scientific partnerships. This article summarizes the intent and results of each of the projects performed under the JCCRER over the past 3 decades.