Developing Pathways for Nuclear Science, Technology and Innovation Governance: Reflections on a Japanese-Belgian Research Project on Citizen Science after Fukushima

Michiel Van Oudheusden, Joke Kenens, Go Yoshizawa, Nozomi Mizushima, Ine Van Hoyweghen

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    In this article, we reflect on our experiences in a joint Japanese-Belgian social science research project on citizen science after Fukushima (2017―2019), which sought to identify how public authorities and scientific research communities respond to citizen-led, data-driven radiation monitoring practices. Using qualitative (auto)ethnographic methods, we shed light on opportunities and challenges that emerged in developing possible fruitful collaboration pathways with project stakeholders, particularly citizen scientists and formally-trained scientists working in radiological protection. We argue for more reflexive dialogue among all about how interactions between these stakeholders are staged, negotiated, and performed, as relations between them (and us) create openings and closings for the governance of radiation pollution and environmental problems.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)52-67
    Number of pages16
    JournalScience and Technology Studies
    Volume18
    StatePublished - 22 May 2020

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