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Nuclear risk: understanding perceptions, reinforcing reality Despite the Fukushima accident in Japan, the production of nuclear energy is still set to expand on a global scale to address issues of energy security, sustainability and climate change. 22
Currently the UK has 17 reactors, normally generating about 18 percent of its electricity, and all but one of these will be retired by 2023. Unless new power stations are commissioned it is predicted the country will see a huge rise in fuel poverty by 2030. However, it is the public perception of the risk of nuclear plants which has left governments across the globe with a difficult dilemma: they need nuclear power but positive public opinion around nuclear risk is also of crucial importance. Early in 2012, UCLan’s Applied Policy Science Unit (APSU) made an acclaimed presentation to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, based upon the results of almost two decades of applied policy sciences research into perceived risk, public opinion and community issues – much of it in relation to nuclear power. In its submission APSU provided guidance to the UK Government on the need for a focus on perceived risk to complement quantitative data around safety. APSU also commented upon the special nature of communities like those in West Cumbria which have a relationship with the nuclear industry, developed over 50 years. Dr Rick Wylie, ex officio Executive Director of APSU and UCLan Samuel Lindow Academic Director, said: “By looking at the public perceptions in the areas of Sellafield and West Cumbria, which have a long association with the nuclear industry, we have identified that, although there is widespread awareness and concern over risk, people who live in closer proximity can, in certain contexts, have a more positive opinion of this industry than is revealed in national level opinion polls.” “A long-term relationship between a site and its local community can shape community members’ perception of the risks involved and consequently their attitude towards it. For most people beyond these long-established ‘nuclear communities’ the nuclear issue does not affect their lives so much. However, the media, sometimes sensationalise nuclear stories, amplify the perceived risk of nuclear energy and make public opinion more hostile.” Dr Wylie added: “In nuclear risk communication, science often fails to understand the public, in all its diversity and complexity and, as a consequence, the public is not given accessible means to understand science. “We believe our research will help guide the UK and international governments to ensure that public perceptions are managed effectively and accurately in the future.” APSU is a research network which was established at UCLan four years ago. In addition to UCLan staff involved in academic research and dissemination, the APSU also involves, as advisors, individuals who are professionally involved in politics, policy and government. Currently associated with the Lancashire Law School and based at the UCLan Samuel Lindow Building at Westlakes, the Unit forms a key pillar of UCLan’s relations with the West Cumbrian community and stakeholders. APSU’s work is currently developing into policy and governance architectures locally, nationally and internationally. ‘ We believe our research will help guide the UK and international governments to ensure that public perceptions ‘are managed effectively and accurately in the future. 23
Page 1 and 2: ANNUAL REVIEW 2011
Page 3 and 4: Foreword Expanding horizons at home
Page 5 and 6: I have insisted that the University
Page 7 and 8: 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Ap
Page 9 and 10: 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 Oc
Page 11 and 12: UCLan library takes stock Universit
Page 13: Pictured: UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney
Page 16 and 17: Stunning animation soars to great h
Page 18 and 19: Research defines new standards for
Page 20 and 21: 18 Pictured: Dr Anna Stec, Senior L
Page 23: The business of identity theft It
Page 28 and 29: When science and art collide Pionee
Page 30 and 31: Young talent bred and celebrated in
Page 32: Just the tonic Double first for pio
Page 35 and 36: to carve out a career. It’s benef
Page 38 and 39: 36 Pictured left to right: BSc(Hons
Page 40 and 41: Creating a new generation of digita
Page 42 and 43: Higher educational horizons From Pr
Page 44 and 45: Making a difference How UCLan stude
Page 46 and 47: Honorary awards 2011 The University
Page 48 and 49: Statistics, facts and figures stude
Page 50 and 51: natiOnal student survey Question 22
Page 52: University of Central Lancashire Pr

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