David J. Brenner

David J. Brenner serves as Higgins Professor of Radiation Biophysics in Radiation Oncology and Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University Medical Center. He directs both the century-old Center for Radiological Research and the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF), leading interdisciplinary teams focused on radiation applications in medicine and safety.

• BA in Physics from Oxford University (1974)
• MSc in Radiation Physics from University of London (1976)
• MA in Physics Philosophy from Oxford University (1979)
• PhD in Physics from University of Surrey (1980)

His research spans dual aspects of radiation: therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and risk assessment across diverse scenarios. Key initiatives include advancing carbon-ion therapy for pancreatic cancer, developing safe far-UVC light for pathogen elimination, and investigating low-dose radiation risks from medical imaging to nuclear terrorism. His team leverages RARAF's unique capabilities for mechanistic studies of radiation effects.

Publications reveal dominant themes in radiation biophysics, with significant contributions to biodosimetry (RABiT platform), UV disinfection technology, and cancer risk modeling. Recent work emphasizes translational applications including medical countermeasures for radiation exposure and precision radiation oncology techniques.

• National Academy of Sciences Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board member
• National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements member
• Radiation Research Society Failla Gold Medal recipient (2011)
• Oxford University Weldon Prize for mathematical biology (2015)
• Robert D. Moseley Award for Radiation Protection in Medicine

Brenner leads multiple NIH-funded projects including biodosimetry development and UV disinfection research. His mentorship extends through directing Columbia's Radiological Research Accelerator Facility and training programs in radiological sciences. Current lab efforts focus on carbon-ion therapy mechanisms and 222-nm UV applications against drug-resistant pathogens, with active collaborations across oncology, microbiology, and physics disciplines.