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

R. Geysmans,Tatiana Duranova,C. Pölzl-Viol,N. Zeleznik,Catrinel Turcanu,M. Van Oudheusden,C. Schieber,T. Perko,C. Turcanu,T. Duranova,T. Schneider,B. Abelshausen

doi:10.1051/radiopro/2020036

Abstract

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.

Highlights

Engagement of stakeholders, including wider publics, in radiological protection has become a key topic for researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and civil society organisations
The European project ENGAGE (“ENhancinG stAkeholder participation in the GovernancE of radiological risks for improved radiation protection and informed decision-making”) investigated the formal or informal demands and expectations for stakeholder engagement, and how these are translated into practices at national and local levels
Using a set of proven and novel methodologies, an analysis was conducted of rationales and frameworks for stakeholder engagement and participation practices in three contexts: emergency preparedness, indoor radon and medical exposures to ionising radiation

Summary

Introduction

Engagement of stakeholders, including wider publics, in radiological protection has become a key topic for researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and civil society organisations. While the establishment of radiological protection culture has received increasing attention in the past decade (e.g. IRPA, 2014), its characterisation in different exposure contexts by/for different stakeholders, as well as its interaction with stakeholder engagement have not been addressed in a systematic way (Perko et al, 2019). To cover these gaps, the European project ENGAGE (“ENhancinG stAkeholder participation in the GovernancE of radiological risks for improved radiation protection and informed decision-making”) investigated the formal or informal demands and expectations for stakeholder engagement, and how these are translated into practices at national and local levels.

Methods

Results

Conclusion