Communication of uncertainties related to radiolocial risk situations.

Communication of Uncertainties in Radiological Risk Situations PhD Candidate: Ferdiana Hoti From a scientific standpoint, policy-making and communication about radiation risks continues to struggle with the issue of uncertainty. Due to the intensified societal and political pressure concerning transparency and the importance placed on risk communication, uncertainties concerning radiological risks will be increasingly in public and stakeholder focus. Communication on these issues needs to be improved and embedded within risk management approaches in order to improve political decision-making. The main focus of the PhD research is dedicated to the development of communication models and tools for radiological risks that allow for addressing scientific and societal uncertainties. Its goals are better decisions, better science, and better support for science. Hence, the objectives of the PhD are formulated as follows: Systematic literature review of risk communication models with particular emphasis on communication of uncertainties; Development and testing of new communication models addressing scientific and societal uncertainties through experimental research; Formulation of practical guidelines for risk communication about uncertainties. The PhD research makes use of political science and risk communication theories and practices, including framing theory conceptualisations (Iyengar 1991), information processing models and decision making models such as Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) by Cacioppo & Petty (1984), mental model approaches (Bostrom et al, 1994), and practical work with communication of risk (RISCOM model, Andersson, K. 1998). Three case studies, prevailing issues in European political agendas are considered in the PhD research: i.) emergency situations, ii.) long-lasting radiological exposure and iii.) decommissioning of nuclear installations. The methodology consists of integrating the findings of the on-going H2020 projects by using comparative case study approaches. Then the experimental design will be conducted with lay publics and selected stakeholders. After analysing the data together with the mediating variables, we will apply the results in practice by creating communication guidelines for uncertainties. The PhD research will contribute to improve policy-making under uncertainties, risk communication about uncertainties and help formulate practical guidelines for informed decision-making under uncertainties in the three case studies considered. This topic is promoted by Prof. Peter Thijssen, University of Antwerp, Belgium, co-promoted by Prof. Ortwin Renn , University of Stuttgart, Germany; Mentored by Dr. Tanja Perko, SCK•CEN & University of Antwerp, Belgium.

Keywords:RISK COMMUNICATION

Disciplines:Communication sciences, Journalism and professional writing, Media studies, Other media and communications

Project type:Collaboration project