History of the NRCRMHO

Foundation of the Center (1986)

On April 26, 1986, the catastrophic accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant became the largest technological disaster involving ionizing radiation in human history. The catastrophe marked a turning point not only for Ukraine but also for the international community, creating unprecedented medical, scientific, and public health challenges. It underscored the urgent need to protect the health of the affected population, provide specialized medical care to emergency workers and clean-up personnel (liquidators), and establish a scientific basis for understanding the long-term health consequences of radiation exposure.In response to these urgent needs, the Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine was established on October 1, 1986. The Center was created on the basis of the former Kyiv Research Institute of Medical Problems of Physical Culture, enabling the rapid development of the clinical, research, and organizational infrastructure required to address the consequences of the Chornobyl disaster.From its inception, the Center comprised four principal divisions:• Institute of Epidemiology and Prevention of Radiation Injuries, responsible for studying the epidemiology of radiation-related diseases and developing preventive strategies;• Institute of Experimental Radiology, conducting fundamental and applied research on the biological effects of ionizing radiation;• Institute of Clinical Radiology, providing specialized diagnostics, treatment, and clinical research for patients affected by radiation exposure;• A specialized 40-bed inpatient clinic, dedicated to the treatment and medical observation of radiation-exposed individuals.Initially, the institution operated under the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR as the All-Union Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine, reflecting its leading role as the principal scientific and medical institution responsible for addressing the health consequences of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster throughout the Soviet Union.

Transition to Independent Ukraine (1991)

Following Ukraine’s declaration of independence in 1991 and the establishment of a national healthcare system, the Center entered a new stage of its development. On November 11, 1991, it was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Simultaneously, the institution was renamed the Ukrainian Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine, reflecting its status as the country’s leading institution for radiation medicine and its expanding role in protecting public health, advancing scientific research, and addressing the long-term health consequences of the Chornobyl disaster.

Dual Subordination (1992)

On January 17, 1992, under Joint Order No. 11/10 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Center was placed under the joint authority of both institutions. This governance model strengthened cooperation between the healthcare and scientific sectors, ensuring the integration of specialized clinical care with advanced biomedical research. By combining the expertise and resources of the country's leading medical and scientific institutions, the Center further enhanced its capacity to investigate the health effects of ionizing radiation, develop evidence-based medical approaches, and provide highly specialized care to radiation-exposed populations.

Integration into the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine (1993)

On February 24, 1993, the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine was established as the country's leading institution for medical research. Following its creation, the Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine was transferred to the jurisdiction of the newly established Academy and renamed the Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine.
This transition marked an important milestone in the Center's development, strengthening its scientific capacity and fostering closer collaboration with the country's leading medical researchers. It also enhanced the integration of multidisciplinary research efforts aimed at investigating the long-term health consequences of the Chornobyl disaster and developing evidence-based approaches to radiation medicine.

International Recognition (1998)

In 1998, the Scientific Center for Radiation Medicine received international recognition by becoming a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre within the international network for medical preparedness and assistance in radiation emergencies. This designation acknowledged the Center's unique expertise, extensive clinical experience, and significant scientific contributions in the field of radiation medicine, developed in response to the consequences of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster.As a WHO Collaborating Centre, the institution became actively involved in the exchange of scientific knowledge, participation in international research and radiation protection programs, and the development of international standards and recommendations. The Center also assumed an important role in providing expert support and technical assistance to other countries in preparing for and responding to radiation and nuclear emergencies.

Award of National Status (2011)

On November 11, 2011, by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 1039/2011, the Center was granted the prestigious status of a National Scientific Institution. This distinction recognized the Center's outstanding contributions to protecting public health, its excellence in scientific research, and its significant role in advancing both Ukrainian and international radiation medicine.
Following this decision, the institution was officially renamed the State Institution “National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” (NRCRM).
The designation of national status underscored the Center's strategic importance to the country and reaffirmed its position as Ukraine's leading institution in radiation medicine, combining cutting-edge scientific research, highly specialized clinical care, and expert support in radiation health protection.

Expansion of the Center’s Scope of Activities (2021)

A major milestone in the Center’s history occurred in 2021 with the integration of the Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine into the institution. This merger led to the establishment of a new multidisciplinary research and clinical institution—the State Institution “National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Oncology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” (NRCRMHO).The expansion of the Center’s scope of activities significantly strengthened its scientific and clinical capabilities by:
• Enhancing research into the hematological consequences of radiation exposure and the mechanisms underlying radiation-induced blood disorders;
• Integrating advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for hematologic malignancies and other oncohematological diseases;
• Establishing a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to the investigation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of radiation-induced malignancies;
• Advancing transfusiology as a key component of supportive care for patients with hematological and oncological diseases.
This transformation reinforced the Center’s position as Ukraine’s leading institution in radiation medicine while expanding its expertise in hematology, transfusion medicine, and oncology, enabling a more integrated approach to scientific research and specialized patient care.

Present Day

Today, the National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Oncology is a unique institution that integrates fundamental scientific research, clinical practice, and international collaboration. Over more than 35 years of operation, the Center has accumulated invaluable experience in studying the medical consequences of radiation accidents, established a strong scientific and methodological foundation, and trained several generations of highly qualified specialists.The Center continues to fulfill its mission by:
• Providing comprehensive medical care and long-term follow-up for individuals affected by the Chornobyl disaster;
• Investigating the long-term health effects of exposure to ionizing radiation;
• Developing innovative methods for the diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced diseases;
• Conducting advanced research in hematology, oncology, and transfusion medicine;
• Promoting international cooperation and the exchange of expertise with leading scientific and medical institutions worldwide;
• Training highly qualified professionals in the field of radiation medicine.
The history of the Center is a story of dedication to science, commitment to serving people, and tireless work for the benefit of public health. From the first days following the Chornobyl disaster to the present day, the institution has remained a trusted pillar of medical science, safeguarding and improving the health of the people of Ukraine.