This multidisciplinary project aims to bring together experts from across Europe to answer a number of key research questions on this topic, including: how does low dose radiation cause cataracts; is there a dose rate effect, and how does genetic background influence cataract development after radiation exposure. The research will also address the issue of ageing in a sensitive subset of mice and whether lens effects can be viewed as global biomarkers of radiosensitivity. The collaborators will work with mouse models supported by cellular studies to investigate the mechanistic chain of events from the initial radiation insult and biological responses through to formation of lens opacities. The biological investigations will be supported by rigorous statistical modelling for hypothesis development. In addition, the partners will explore the potential for a prospective molecular epidemiology programme using human lenses taken from the former Mayak PA workers. The results of this project will be highly relevant for CONCERT low dose radiation research and radiation protection and the work plan is particularly in line with the MELODI and EURADOS strategic research agendas with additional key implications for medical radiation protection