Layout 2 - University of Central Lancashire

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.
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