the-BA : Uncertainty and risk

Thursday 3 November 2005

How can we make sure our events and programmes take account of the diverse ways in which ‘publics’ construct notions of risk? Can we make discussions on scientific risk relevant to and more meaningful for everyday lives? The emerging view from social science research is that new models of science governance are required, involving innovative social and institutional solutions which reach far beyond attempts to promote better communications about the science of hazards and risk assessment. Should we be developing a new approach to risk science and governance?

This seminar concluded that the communication of risk is not just a question of public risk perception but rather the consequence of individual issues, such as nuclear power, which most concern the public. The outcome of the research project discussed in the seminar was that issues of communicating risk are mostly a matter of establishing and maintaining trust. The programme developed to help the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management communicate with the public was discussed as an example of the importance of a two-way conversation when dealing with issues of public concern.

Speakers:
Professor Nick Pidgeon & Dr Tee Rogers Hayden
Centre for Environmental Risk, UEA
and researchers on the ESRC-funded
'Public perceptions of risk, science and governance'
Pippa Hyam and Amy Sanders
dialogue by design

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