Task 2.3: Media framing of fusion: Report to EUROfusion

The aim of this research is to gain more insight into the public understanding of fusion by studying the media frames of this nuclear technology in classic news media such as newspapers, press releases and magazines.In general, there is a clear indication that a public debate about research and development in nuclear fusion, including investments, is absent in the media. Fusion is mostly seen as something positive while the investments in research and development are mostly seen in a negative light. The most negative aspects related to fusion are the rising costs and the distant promise of nuclear fusion as an energy source. The media tends to report more about the financing of fusion rather than the science behind it. In general the audience will not learn enough about fusion itself from the mass media. The information published in the media primarily comes from decision makers and not from the research community.