MSCFP : integrating EURATOM FP5 and FP6 research into the European master of science in radiation biology

Many scientific advances in the field of radiation biology have arisen as a direct result of EURATOM funded research. The dissemination strategies of the various RTD projects have very much targeted the established scientific community and the general public. The sustainability of the research capacity in the field of radiation biology within the European research area requires a dissemination approach that specifically addresses the future generation of research workers, to attract and motivate them to join research teams interested in radiation biology. The MSCFP project was designed to provide a forum for FP5 and FP6 EURATOM research project leaders to discuss their research with the students participating in the European MSc course in radiation biology, which we have identified as the most important source of potential junior researchers. During the 1-year period of MSCFP we have organised a series of meetings and workshops to allow direct scientific exchanges between academic partners in 5 EURATOM RTD contracts (RISCRAD, NOTE, SOUL, GENRISK-T & RACE) and students participating in the European MSc course in radiation biology. In addition a series of 7 meetings were held to allow EURATOM partners to directly advise the MSc teaching faculty on which new developments in radiation protection research, which has arisen from the EURATOM projects, should be included in the upcoming syllabus of the MSc course. Finally, negotiations were conducted to permit MSc students direct access to the research laboratories of the EURATOM-funded laboratories, to give them the opportunity to meet the staff members, and to learn at first hand the scientific methods and the scientific findings.