Photo: Dave Morse (AFRRI)

AFRRI researcher G. David Ledney, PhD, presents information on the AFRRI TRIGA reactor and applications in mouse studies at the TRTR annual meeting.

Bethesda, Md., October 16, 2009—Leaders from research reactor facilities across the United States are convening in Bethesda, Maryland, this week, including those from the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), a co-sponsor of the National Organization of Test, Research and Training Reactors (TRTR) annual conference.

The October 13–16 meeting is addressing nuclear reactor operations and maintenance, security and safety, educational programs, regulatory issues, and other topics. Presenters include, among others, AFRRI scientist G. David Ledney, PhD, and representatives of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The activities include tours of the AFRRI TRIGA reactor facility.

"AFRRI is pleased to play a role in an important gathering of experts from the nation's government organizations, universities, national laboratories, and industries," said Steve Miller, head of the AFRRI Radiation Sciences Department and TRTR treasurer.

TRTR members include managers and directors of research reactors, educators, administrators, regulators, and research scientists and engineers. Its mission is to promote education, fundamental and applied research, application of technology in areas of national concern, and improvement of U.S. technological competitiveness around the world.

AFRRI scientists conduct studies to preserve the health and performance of U.S. military personnel and to protect humankind through research that advances understanding of the effects of ionizing radiation. To these ends, the institute collaborates with other government facilities, academic institutions, and civilian laboratories in the United States and other countries to research the biological effects of ionizing radiation. In addition, it provides medical training and emergency response to manage incidents related to radiation exposure. AFRRI is part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences under the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.