Following the second edition of the Nuclear Risk Communication Training Course, the NEA hosted the 2024 session in Ottawa, Canada. This training course focused on communicating risk on a daily basis. Its aim was to improve the effectiveness of risk communication in order to enhance public understanding.

Over four days participants interacted with communication experts and technical professionals working in nuclear energy organisations and learnt the fundamentals of risk communication.

E-learning (pre-work)

• Risk communication vs. crisis communication
• Introduction to nuclear and radiological risk

Session 1: Why is risk communication important for nuclear organisations?

• Overview of risk communication objectives and challenges, and definition of its components
• Nuclear risk communication – Canada case
• Stakeholder engagement
• How to assess risk perceptions]
• How to build trust

Session 2: The art of effective risk communication

• Your audience – Messaging: Get to the point
• Keynote lecture on misinformation from a Canadian perspective
• Countering rumours, conspiracy theories and fake news in the misinformation landscape
• Designing a risk communication strategy
• Implementing a risk communication plan
• Evaluating your strategy and plan

Session 3: The techniques, practical implementation and specific challenges

• Techniques, tools and channels in nuclear and radiological risk communication
• Communication rules – Not only for media engagement
• The importance of plain language
• Risk communication experiences in Fukushima and some lessons learnt
• Risk communication challenges in embarking countries – based on Kenyan case

Session 4 : Group Projects

Site tour (optional): 1 November 2024

Professionals working in nuclear regulatory organisations, technical scientific support organisations, agencies for radioactive waste management and other related governmental organisations responsible for communicating or engaging with the public and decision makers, about nuclear and radiological risks and associated topics.

The 2024 edition of the Nuclear Risk Communication Training Course (RCTC) in Ottawa, Canada, has concluded. We thank all participants, speakers, and sponsors for their contributions to an engaging and insightful event. This year’s training provided valuable insights into the fundamentals of risk communication, equipping professionals with tools to effectively communicate nuclear and radiological risks.