Knowledge base concept for designing and documenting participation in radiological protection

The stronger requirements for, and recognition of, stakeholder involvement in radiation protection, and the remaining challenges in translating these into practice, substantiate the need for knowledge sharing through a repository of stakeholder engagement experiences. One of the goals of the ENGAGE project was designing such a knowledge base and exemplifying it with case studies. Existing databases for stakeholder engagement were examined and combined with the focal points of the ENGAGE project. This paper presents the concept of the knowledge base by introducing its structure, which is then illustrated by the radon case studies developed within the ENGAGE project

Broadening and strengthening stakeholder engagement in emergency preparedness, response and recovery

This article discusses stakeholder engagement in the field of nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness, response, and recovery (EPR & R). It argues that stakeholder engagement in this field could be broadened – in terms of stakeholders and forms of engagement, and strengthened – in terms of sustainability and impact. Four different dimensions are identified and presented along which this process of broadening and strengthening can occur: (1) the underlying rationales of engagement, (2) top-down and bottom-up engagement, (3) formal and informal engagement, and (4) radiological protection culture. Based on the analysis of these dimensions, a reflection on power and non-participation is provided, and recommendations on stakeholder engagement are formulated

Engaging health professionals and patients in the medical field: role of radiological protection culture and informed consent practices

In medical exposure situations, the significant role of and the need to improve the benefit/risk dialogue between health professionals, patients and other stakeholders are well recognized. This paper analyses stakeholder engagement processes in various medical applications of ionising radiation. It addresses the role and potential benefit of radiological protection (RP) culture for health professionals and the issues associated with the practical implementation of informed consent processes. The paper highlights the need to develop RP culture among health professionals to facilitate dialogue between practitioners and patients and to foster the implementation of the principles of radiological protection. It argues that patients’ participation can be enhanced by creating spaces and opportunities for dialogue between patients and the relevant medical professionals, both before the implementation of medical procedures using ionising radiation, particularly at the moment of referral, as well as after these procedures. Risk communication training for medical professionals and their closer collaboration on this topic may enhance the dialogue with patients

Stakeholder engagement in radiological protection: Developing theory, practice and guidelines

The European project ENGAGE investigated formal or informal demands and expectations for stakeholder engagement in radiological protection, and their translation into practices at national and local levels. Three contexts were examined in detail: nuclear emergency preparedness, response and recovery; exposure to indoor radon; and medical exposures to ionising radiation. Research showed that prescriptions and practices for stakeholder engagement would benefit from acknowledging the normative and substantive rationales for engagement. It suggests broadening participation both in terms of stakeholders – particularly from the perspective of integration of radiological protection into broader frameworks – and the forms of participation – for instance by recognising the importance of informal and citizen-led engagement. In addition, more systematic approaches for stakeholder engagement should be included in the elaboration and evaluation of national policies. Finally, results substantiate the need for developing radiological protection culture in a participatory, multi-disciplinary way. Recommendations for more robust stakeholder engagement in radiological protection are formulated based on the findings

The clock is ticking

If it can be made to work, fusion energy offers the potential for unlimited, clean energy. This prospect has seen substantial investment in the science and engineering behind fusion in order to demonstrate its viability. As key societal stakeholders, the opinions and actions of publics can shape the success of emerging energy technologies. To date, however, there have been relatively few studies focused on the public acceptability of fusion. The current study provides insight into public perspectives about fusion in five European countries (Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Spain). Using a qualitative ‘World Caf´ e’ type method, participants (n =10–25 per country) were provided with basic and balanced information about fusion, before being invited to discuss the risks, benefits and drawbacks of the technology and investment in its development. Transcripts from each World Caf´ e were subject to template analysis. The results indicated that while awareness of fusion was low in each country, participants were broadly supportive of fusion. This support was, however, tentative due to its commercially unproven nature. This stimulated questions about the value of investment in the technology, particularly given the urgency of addressing climate change. While there was some variation in the sub-topics raised and discussed in each country, the principal themes raised were broadly comparable. These findings add to our systematic understanding of the ‘mixed feelings’ held about fusion and have implications for future public engagement and communication efforts relating to the technology

Stakeholder engagement in the management of indoor radon exposures

International audienceRadon in buildings poses a significant health risk, being one of the most important causes of lung cancer deaths worldwide. Acknowledging that successful radon risk management requires engagement of stakeholders, this paper investigated prescriptions and practices for stakeholder participation. First, it points out the need to integrate radon risk management in a holistic approach to indoor air pollution, together with urban planning and energy saving policies. It then argues for establishing more systematic approaches to the involvement of stakeholders in the design, implementation and evaluation of radon actions. Finally, it suggests the development of context specific approaches for the engagement of stakeholders at local and regional level