What is the overall objective of GERoNiMO?
The project aims to close gaps of knowledge on health effects of EMF and reduce exposure. To achieve this, it will use an integrated approach, bringing together researchers from different disciplines (biology, engineering and physics, epidemiology and public health, radiation protection and risk assessment and communication) to address key questions related to EMF and health, specifically:
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To better understand mechanisms underlying possible health effects of EMF;
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To better characterise current and future population levels of EMF exposure in Europe;
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To further the state of knowledge on EMF and health;
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To improve health risk assessment of EMF; and
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To underpin policy development and propose non-technological means to reduce EMF exposure.
What is the duration of the project?
GERoNiMO will run for a total five years, starting on the 1st January 2014.
How is GERoNiMO funded?
The project is mainly funded by the European Union (EU grant agreement 603794), in addition to various local and national funding sources.
What is novel about GERoNiMO?
We consider that integration attempted under the GERoNiMO project framework represents a novel approach in this field in and of itself. It is the first time that anyone has tried to formally plug together the many disparate elements of EMF and health research, integrating across various fields of scientific research, across the frequency spectrum, etc. This approach will foster development of a network of experts with complementary skills in all disciplines ranging from physics and engineering, biology and epidemiology to health impact assessment and risk communication and management. We believe that this multidisciplinary approach is necessary to best address pertinent research questions and ultimately close gaps in knowledge pertaining to EMF and health.
In addition, specific novel approaches will be used where appropriate to achieve the objectives of specific WPs and tasks. For example, in-vitro experiments using modern spectroscopic and electrochemical methods will be used to observe in real time the behaviour of living matter under EMF exposure. Together with metabonomics and genomic instability assays will provide a basis for a systems biology approach to gain insights into mechanisms. Dosimetric modelling will be used in epidemiological studies to derive organ specific metrics, for near- and far-field sources, in both occupational and non-occupational settings.
Who is leading the project?
GERoNiMO is led by Barcelona Institut of Global Health (ISGlobal), based in Barcelona, Spain. The project is headed by principle investigator (PI) Professor Elisabeth Cardis, head of the ISGlobal Radiation Programme.
Which organisations are directly involved in this research?
The project consortium comprises a total of 19 institutions from 13 countries.
How can I find out more about GERoNiMO?
The GERoNiMO website (http://radiation.isglobal.org/index.php/geronimo-home) serves as the chief source of information about the project. Please contact us directly if you have further questions. If you wish to know more about those project activities being carried out by particular participating institutions or in specific countries, please contact the relevant project partner. Scientific articles originating from the project are listed under publications.