Conventional radiation-therapy exposes healthy tissues to radiation, resulting in potential sequelae. Modern hadron-therapy, however, uses energetic ions with unique physical properties exposing a smaller volume of healthy tissues. Such discrepancy warrants extensive comprehension as exposure to densely ionizing radiation with a high Linear Energy Transfer (LET) used in hadron-therapy is different from exposure to conventional radiation-therapy. Optimization of the safety and effectiveness of these very promising treatment options needs an innovative approach combining several radiation-biology concepts, from mathematical modelling, radiation-physics to advanced biological models, especially for healthy tissues exposed and cancer stem cells. However, the tremendous amount of combinations of radiation quality, exposure modalities and tissue biological status such as comorbidity or genetic background does not simplify the building of relevant models and represents a significant challenge. IRAICATS provides an excellent opportunity to train and teach the next generation of scientists in this emerging field of radiation-biology. A partnership of ten leading academic institutions and five major medical facilities (4 european and 1 japanese facilities) will provide an environment of multidisciplinary research into the effects of high-LET carbon ions on cancer stem cells and normal tissues, enabling the training of young researchers in this cutting-edge field. The research will include development of 3D models (organoids) build from cancer or normal tissue (stem or primary cells from salivary gland, thyroid gland, lung, central nervous system, epithelia, heart, cartilage or bone), tissue culture, in vivo monitoring, genetic modification, proteome analysis, mathematical modelling, and high-throughput investigations of relevant molecular mechanisms to identify bio-marker’s in association with preclinical studies. Students will be able to select thesis topics from any of these exciting research areas.