22th International Conference Nuclear Energy for New Europe (NENE 2013)

It took place in September 2013 in Slovenia on the topic “Nuclear Experts’ Perception of Lay Attitudes toward Nuclear Issues”. ABSTRACT From the previous research performed during last years it became clear that the attitudes, opinions and perception regarding nuclear issues in the broadest sense including topics like radioactivity and properties of radiation, influence of ionizing radiation on humans, functioning of nuclear facilities and riskiness of support activities (e.g. transport) differ very much between nuclear experts and lay people. As nuclear experts should be involved in communication with the public on nuclear topics it is important to understand their understanding of the public opinions, because this could influence their attitudes toward the general public and their way of communication with them. Study presents nuclear experts’ perception of lay public attitudes toward nuclear issues and reasons behind them. With the help of internet survey within the members of Nuclear Society of Slovenia the opinions of Slovenian nuclear experts were collected. Especial emphasize was devoted to the consequence of existing experts’ opinions regarding communication with lay public. Survey contain questions about different aspects of lay public knowledge and understanding of nuclear issues, ways of communication with the public, attitudes toward public participation in the decision processes, perception of the experts’ role in the process, etc. Download the results of the conference.