Community engagement and evidence-based Risk Communication in environmental impact assessment for Small Modular Reactors

The deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe requires comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate potential environmental and socio-economic effects before construction begins. While EIA serves as a critical decision-support tool for authorities, it is not merely a technical exercise; it inherently involves value judgments and must integrate the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, including the public. Current EIA processes for nuclear technologies often lack robust, participatory mechanisms contributing to low trust, limited community engagement and consequently to weak decision-making process. In addition, practical guidelines for transparent and evidence-based risk communication are currently lacking. . The research CATAPULT aims to develop a comprehensive framework—both theoretical and practical—for engaging citizens, communities, and stakeholders in the EIA of SMR projects. Key objectives include: co-designing risk communication strategies and materials with citizens to ensure clarity, relevance, and accessibility; providing actionable guidance for effective, transparent risk communication tailored to different audiences and national contexts and identifying knowledge gaps, beliefs, and perceived needs related to EIA processes, with a focus on equity and equality. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including semi-structured interviews, design thinking workshops, and Delphi studies conducted in Portugal, Spain, Belgium as well as at the European level. The initial phase will assess knowledge and public understanding of EIA, participation needs, and equity and equality concerns. Subsequent stages will evaluate optimal formats and strategies for communicating SMRs EIA results, ensuring accessibility and engagement of non-experts, in a transparent way. The final phase will focus on integrating citizen perspectives into expert-driven EIA processes and developing mechanisms to ensure community impact on guidance documents. The research plan and expected results will be presented, highlighting the importance of early, transparent, and inclusive engagement to build trust and improve decision-making for SMRs deployment in Europe.