Scope and ideas of the workshop The workshop which took place at the University of Giessen from Oct. 3 to Oct. 7, 2002 and whose proceedings are collected in this volume started from the idea to convene a number of scientists with the aim to outline their "visions" for the future of radiation research on the basis of their expertise. As radiation research is a very wide field restrictions were unavoidable. It was decided to concentrate this time mainly on molecular and cellular biology because it was felt that here action is par-ticularly needed. This did not exclude contributions from neighbouring fields as may be seen from the table of contents. It was clearly not planned to have a c- prehensive account of the present scientif fic achievements but the results presented should only serve as a starting point for the discussion of future lines of research, with the emphasis on the "outreach" to other parts of life sciences. If you are interested in the future ask the young - we attempted, therefore, to invite mainly younger colleagues (with a few exceptions) who had, however, already left their marks in the field. They were asked to describe what they felt is important in radiation research and may have significant influences on other branches of life sciences. They were given the task to demonstrate what is lost for science "if we do no longer exist".

Introductory Remarks: On the State of Radiation Research

Cellular Responses, Genomic Stability
Cellular Responses to DNA Damage - a Personal Account
Prospects for Research in Radiation Biology
Cellular and Molecular Aspects of the Anti-inflammatory Action of Low Dose Ionizing Irradiation
The Network of Radiation Responses and Genomic Stability
Topological Factors in Radiation Biology
Signalling
Molecular Radiation Biology - Perspectives for the Future
P53 Stabilization and the Role of Radiation-Induced Signalling
Cytogenetics
Molecular Genetic Mechanisms of Radiocarcinogenesis and Predictive Markers for Radioresistance in Tumors - Present Work and Future Perspectives -
FISH and CHIPs: Colorful Clues to Radiation-Induced Chromosomal Instability
Carcinogenesis, Radiation Protection
Recombination and Radiation-Induced Cancer. Mechanisms and Genetic Testing
UV-Radiation Biology as Part of Cancer Research
Contribution of Radiation Research to Human Space Exploration: Approaches to mitigate Radiation Health Risk in Spaceflight
Repair
Radiation Damage and Human Cells: You have to know one to understand the other
Different Means to an End: DNA Double-Strand Break Repair
Impact of Physical Developments
Electrostatistics of DNA Complexes
Future Radiobiology at Accelerators: From Heavy Ion Therapy to Basic Research
Targeting Radiation at the Subcellular, Cellular and Tissue Levels: Future Strategies
The PTB - a Competent and Reliable Partner for Research and Development Projects in the Field of Ionizing Radiation
General Issues
Life Sciences and Radiation Research - Examples from the Past
Need and Importance of Further Research in the Field of Radiation
Reflections on the Acceptability of the Use of Ionizing Radiationto German Society
Janus Face of Radiation Biology and Science for the Future
Postscript: Thoughts on the Future of Radiation Research and its Impact on Life Sciences.