The impact of the inclusion of microbiology on expert conceptualization and public perception of geological disposal: MIND Deliverable 3.6

In comparison to other scientific disciplines, microbiology has received relatively little attention in the context of deep geological disposal (GD) research. Starting from this observation, this report illustrates how, in the European project Microbiology In Nuclear waste Disposal (MIND)1, microbes, microbiologists, and microbiology are introduced in the international network around researching and implementing deep geological disposal facilities. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative social science methods, the study sheds lights on: (a) the ways in which project experts (MIND researchers, researchers, non-microbiologist experts, members of the MIND Implementer Review Board) and non-experts (e.g. citizens) present, receive, and understand the integration of microbiology into nuclear waste management; (b) based on findings elicited in (a), develops a communication approach to be used in order to support the informed decision-making of all stakeholders in RWM. The report seeks to enhance reflexive awareness among stakeholders about how they conceptualize and communicate the role of microbiology/microbiologists in nuclear waste management, and initiate debate among them on outstanding issues, challenges, and problem areas, such as safety, public communication, and uncertainty management.