First International Conference on Risk Perception, Communication and Ethics of Exposures to Ionizing Radiation (RICOMET)—special section editorial

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the integration of social sciences and humanities into nuclear research so as to render this research more reflective and more responsive towards society. This aligns with proposals for more open and responsive modes of research and science policy-making, as illustrated by current EU-wide policy discourses on 'Science with and for society' and 'Responsible research and innovation'. In June 2015, a three-day conference, RICOMET, was held in Slovenia with the theme of Risk Perception, Communication and Ethics of Exposures to Ionizing Radiation. The conference brought together three EU FP7 projects, which can be seen as a successful effort towards multi- and transdisciplinary research and broader societal involvement in nuclear research and policy. The three projects are EAGLE—Enhancing education, training and communication processes for informed behaviours and decision-making related to ionizing radiation risks; OPERRA—Open project for the European radiation research area—and PREPARE—Innovative integrated tools and platforms for radiological emergency preparedness and post-accident response in Europe.