Radiation medicine and sustainable networks for global health and safety: Institutional progress and perspectives from KIRAMS

Abstract

Within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), health and well-being are one of the most important goals. This perspective highlights recent institutional progress at Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) that bridges scientific innovation, clinical application, and sustainability, which are aligned with the global vision of the UN SDGs. The key activities include long-term research on second primary cancers to strengthen survivorship care, the clinical application of targeted alpha-particle therapy using Actinium-225 for advanced neuroendocrine and prostate cancers, and the expansion of radiopharmaceutical research and development. These activities demonstrate how advanced radiation technologies can be translated into tangible clinical benefits while enhancing patient safety and long-term outcomes. In addition, KIRAMS has leveraged its expertise in radiation emergency medicine to contribute to broader public health responses. Collectively, these efforts illustrate how a mission-driven medical institution can align specialized radiation medicine with global sustainability agendas and strengthen international networks.