About JANUSZ Z. BEER (by Larry Bockstahler) December 9, 2013 It was my pleasure and good fortune to make contact with Janusz on a PL-480 trip to Poland in the 1970’s. (Public Law-480 was a law signed by President Eisenhauer in 1954. It allowed countries that owed money to the USA to use the funds for collaborative research of mutual interest to both countries.) The trip was arranged through the direction of Dr. William Leach, Branch Chief, and Dr. Morris Shore, Division Chief, Bureau of Radiological Health, Rockville, MD. I visited several laboratories in Poland including that of Dr, Janusz Beer in Warsaw. Janusz was a known expert concerning radiation effects on mammalian cells. Application for the program consisted of an (NIH-like) grant. Janusz’ project proposal was accepted, and the collaborative research was initiated. The project was completed successfully with publications. At this time the Public Health Service had a visiting scientist program available. We applied for such a program for Janusz, again with the mentorship of Drs. Leach and Shore. Eventually we received the necessary approvals, and Janusz was invited to come to Rockville and work with us. He accepted and our collaborative research began. Janusz was an excellent scientist. In addition he had a gift of being able to readily make good friends with his co-workers and others. His wife Zofia was also a fine scientist, and she worked in another NIH laboratory and later in FDA. Janusz developed several radiation projects with colleagues in the Branch including Elizabeth Jacobson and Ken Krell. An example was: J.Z. Beer, E. D. Jacobson, K. Krell, Stimulation of L51178Y mouse lymphoma cells by small fluences of UV-radiation. In: “Symposium on Biological Effects and Measurement of Light Sources”, June 9-10, 1980, HHS Publication FDA 81-815b, Rockville, MD. Janusz also published papers on ionizing radiation (x-rays) effects. As time went by, non-ionizing (optical radiation) became of higher priority in the Center than ionizing radiation, and Janusz continued research primarily in this area. Fortunately, basic concepts of the two radiation types were similar. He continued working in this area and eventually became an internationally known expert on research concerning optical radiation effects on human skin. Janusz was a beloved friend. In spare time, we played ping pong together in a near-by recreation center. We spent vacation time together on several occasions, including one with me here in Sarasota. We also enjoyed knowing his interesting family. Our children played together. As families, we have a loving relationship with each other. Janusz had a good sense of humor. For example, he was a Post-Doc in England. When a king passed away, the British would say “Long live the King!”. Janusz was amused by this.