Research group Group Wojcik

Environmental, occupational, medical and accidental exposure to ionising radiation is unavoidable. Although radiation is a known carcinogen many uncertainties exist with respect to the shape of the dose response relationship, especially after low doses and low dose rates. Epidemiological studies which allow risk assessment do not provide clear answers because of insufficient statistical power or missing information on the absorbed dose. A mechanistic understanding of cellular radiation-induced effects and factors that modify them can provide valuable information on whether the risk estimates are coherent with biological evidence. Research within the group focuses on factors affecting the reaction and sensitivity of eukaryotic cells to ionising radiation. We have sources for radiations of different qualities allowing acute and chronic exposure scenarios. We analyse DNA damage repair, chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei, gene expression, chromatin modifications and cell survival. We are interested in the mechanisms underlying individual response to radiation and possibilities of its prediction. This research can help in individualising not only radiation protection but also radiotherapy. We also develop and validate methods of biological dosimetry that are used to measure the individual absorbed dose following an accidental radiation exposure. Finally, we are interested in improving public education on risks associated with radiation exposure.

The studies are conducted in collaboration with both national and international researchers and research groups.