In the wake of Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japanese physicians and scientists faced tremendous challenges despite an existing and long standing preparedness and response program. With almost 70 years of experience in dealing with the aftermath of the atomic bombs, Japan has developed a world class radiation disease and radiobiology education and research programs. There were no direct casualties due to radiation effects after the accident. The public is concerned about long term effects of radiation, while the experts maintain that the exposure dose is low without much risk in term of deleterious effects on human health.  The IAEA recognizes education as a key component of ‘readiness, response, and recovery’ with respect to a major nuclear accident. It is within that context of science uncertainty and public distrust in nuclear energy that the Division of Human Health at the IAEA initiated an unprecedented education program that introduces STS (Science, Technology, and Society) and Disaster Studies as

methodologies and academic fields with the hope to contribute more effectively to medical preparedness to major nuclear accidents. This education program would consider “disasters” in general, and not just nuclear disasters. There would be an emphasis, however, on case studies involving radiation (e.g Fukushima and Chernobyl), human health and/or phenomenon more common to Japan (e.g. earthquakes and typhoons). Finally, the program focused on the psycho-social consequences of the Fukushima accident, including post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and other mental health issues that turned out to be much more prevalent than those caused by direct radiation effects.