How authorities provide knowledge and guidance

Importance of risk communication

In the wake of international crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate change, many people are looking for reliable information and orientation. The risk communication of departmental research (i.e. scientifically active authorities) is particularly important here. They form the interface between scientific research and the general public. Especially in times of crisis, they can provide reliable knowledge.

The aim of the expert discussion on risk communication organised by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), which took place on 9 and 10 October in Munich, was to address current challenges in communicating risks, especially for public authorities.

President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Dr Inge Paulini

Before the start of the event, the President of the BfS, Inge Paulini, emphasised that: "The BfS attaches great importance to risk communication. Radiation can neither be seen nor heard nor felt. This is precisely why there are many myths surrounding the effects of radiation and radioactivity. Communicating the actual risks and entering into an exchange with the general population is an important task of the BfS."

Risk communication at the interface between research and practice

Every day, the BfS receives enquiries from concerned citizens – but also from journalists – who ask for assessments of the risks of radiation. Surveys on the perception of radiation in 2019 and 2022 have shown that the risks of mobile communication are often overestimated whilst those of radon or UV radiation are often underestimated. Risk communication plays an important role in communicating the scientific basis of radiation issues and risk assessment.

A central basis of communication about risks is social science research, which also carries considerable weight at the BfS. This provides important insights into how people perceive risks as well as into the general conditions under which risk are communicated.

Eighty participants expected at the event

Different perceptions of risks

The expert discussion in Munich was dedicated to current topics and challenges of official risk communication from a social science perspective. Fifteen experts in risk communication research and related areas gave insights into the state of research and thus provided the basis for exploring how these findings can be practically applied to communication.

Among other things, this was about perceived versus real dangers and the possibilities of involving the public in research. The challenges posed by the networked world were also addressed. This was complemented by current examples regarding the perception of artificial intelligence (AI) and the dissemination of false or misleading information. Around 80 participants were expected to attend the event.