Introduction -- Life and times of a radiation biologist -- A brief history of radiation biology -- The birth of the DOE Low Dose Radiation Research Program -- Early observations and new technology -- Paradigm shifts in low dose radiation biology and application of data -- Biomarkers of radiation exposure and dose -- Mechanisms of action -- Modeling -- Taking a systems biology approach to risk -- Program communication and monitoring -- Current and potential impact on standards -- Applying lessons learned to future direction -- Epilogue