EM Radiation Research Trust Honors and Remembers the Scientific and Legal Legacy of the REFLEX Study
A Call to Never Forget
The EM Radiation Research Trust (RRT) honors and remembers the REFLEX project a groundbreaking EU-funded scientific study that revealed serious risks of DNA damage caused by mobile phone radiation. This study stands not only as a landmark of scientific truth but also as a symbol of courage in the face of a coordinated attempt to silence independent research.
We call on the public, policymakers, scientists, and educators to:
- Never forget the REFLEX study.
- Never forget the data showing biological harm.
- Never forget the researchers who were ridiculed and attacked for telling the truth.
- Never forget the court rulings that upheld their integrity.
- And never forget the life and legacy of Dr. Franz Adlkofer, who stood firm until the end.
Landmark Findings from a Landmark Study
REFLEX (Risk Evaluation of Potential Environmental Hazards from Low Energy Electromagnetic Field Exposure Using Sensitive in vitro Methods) ran from 2000 to 2004. It involved 12 research laboratories across seven European countries and received over €3.1 million in funding from the European Union.
One of its most alarming findings revealed that just 24 hours of exposure to mobile phone radiation caused DNA strand breaks in human cells equivalent to 1,600 chest X-rays, measured using the comet assay technique.
These findings directly challenge the long-held industry claim that low-level, non-ionising RF radiation is biologically harmless. REFLEX clearly demonstrated that even non-thermal exposures well below official safety limits can cause DNA damage.
Pushback and Legal Vindication
Instead of prompting public health action, REFLEX became the target of a relentless campaign aimed at discrediting the research.
Professor Alexander Lerchl, a vocal critic of the REFLEX study, accused the researchers of data falsification. This campaign escalated to widespread media attention, including the cover of Der Spiegel Germany’s equivalent of Time magazine where the scientists were mocked and ridiculed.
However, the courts ruled in favor of truth and scientific integrity.
In 2015, the Regional Court of Hamburg ruled Lerchl’s accusations unlawful and ordered him to cease and desist. He faced fines of €250,000 per offence or up to six months in prison and was ordered to pay full legal costs.
In 2020, the Higher Regional Court of Bremen reaffirmed the ruling, confirming that the REFLEX team had been wrongfully attacked and that Lerchl’s allegations were baseless.
As the Pandora Foundation wrote:
“The REFLEX results have unjustly lost their scientific significance due to the falsification story invented and spread worldwide by Prof. Lerchl… This justifies the demand that the results of the REFLEX Study must get back their original scientific significance.”
Read the Pandora Foundation press release
In Memory of Dr. Franz Adlkofer
Dr. Franz Adlkofer passed away in June 2022. He was not only a brilliant scientist but also a man of profound courage and integrity. Throughout his career, he faced immense pressure and attacks aimed at silencing his pioneering work on the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation. Yet, Franz never wavered in his commitment to uncovering the truth and protecting public health.
His legacy is one of steadfast dedication to science in the face of adversity and a reminder of the vital importance of independent research for the well-being of humanity.
As Dr. Devra Davis of Environmental Health Trust wrote in her heartfelt tribute:
“We all owe Franz an enormous debt of gratitude. He was courageous and determined and never gave up in the fight to see the scientific truth emerge… May his memory forever be a blessing.”
Read EHT’s tribute to Dr. Franz Adlkofer
A Public Call to Action
The EM Radiation Research Trust urges all stakeholders, scientists, journalists, educators, public health officials, and elected representatives to:
- Revisit the evidence presented by REFLEX.
- Recognise the legal and scientific vindication of its authors.
- Apply the Precautionary Principle.
- Speak out against the suppression of independent science.
We must ask ourselves:
- Why was this publicly funded, peer-reviewed study attacked so fiercely?
- Who benefits when independent science is buried?
- And how many people may be harmed by policies based on incomplete or manipulated data?
Never Forget
Let us honour the legacy of Dr. Franz Adlkofer and the REFLEX team by ensuring their truth is never forgotten, their data never buried, and their courage never in vain.Never forget the REFLEX study.
Never forget the truth it revealed.
Never forget those who risked everything to bring it to light
The REFLEX Study
Risk Evaluation of Potential Environmental Hazards From Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure Using Sensitive in vitro Methods
This pivotal study was funded by the European Union under the programme Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources. A detailed summary of the results can be found on page 241 of the final report:
REFLEX Final Report (PDF)
The REFLEX Project Controversy:
For insight into the controversy surrounding the REFLEX study, including the IT’IS Foundation’s official position, see:
The REFLEX Project Controversy – IT’IS Foundation, March 26, 2020