Chernobyl science and politics in Belarus: The challenges of post-normal science and political transition as a context for science–policy interfacing

Abstract

Due to high uncertainties and “no-knowledge” spots, and because of their highly politicised contexts, Chernobyl-related environmental and health issues represent an ideal post-normal science situation (PNS). The history of Chernobyl policy and science in Belarus started with a short period in the early 1990s, when due to a political situation, the parliament adopted adaptation and rehabilitation policies and legislation that adhered to the precautionary principle. Soon after, it was recognised that this precautionary action was not economically viable, and although the declared policy approach remained the same, it was eroded by the modified institutional environment and by the implementation practices, which were branded as evidence-based and endorsed by international organisations. To achieve this, Belarusian government channelled public funds to a limited number of selected research organisations affiliated with governmental bodies in charge of Chernobyl affairs, removed non-state actors from Chernobyl research, and monopolised data collection, thus eliminating concurrent knowledge production. To understand the science-policy interfaces (SPIs) developed over Chernobyl issues and their transformation in changing policy situations and in this PNS context, we used and compared analytical perspectives provided by two frameworks assessing SPIs. We also noted a very limited exchange with and support from international scientific communities to promote the development of strategic knowledge.