The BfS conducts research and informs political decision-makers and the public about scientific findings in radiation protection. It also uses participatory communication formats.
In view of advancing digitalisation, this research project aimed to investigate the potential and limitations of digital participatory communication formats. Based on this, recommended courses of action for their design and further development were derived.
The project consisted of three research steps: an inventory, a representative survey of 1,000 people, and in-depth qualitative individual interviews with 40 participants.
The assessment showed that many of the opportunities and challenges of digital participatory exchange formats are similar to those of analogue formats. The greatest opportunities probably lie in the potentially large reach and appeal to diverse audiences. The project considers digital, participatory risk and science communication in radiation protection to be a mutual exchange with target groups, but does not provide for co-determination, for example, in setting topics, and is thus located in the so-called ‘preliminary stages of participation’. While ‘genuine’ participation is rarely feasible for a departmental research institute such as the BfS, formats such as interactive websites or live chats showed potential for knowledge transfer and trust building. The surveys revealed a high willingness to participate in the exchange formats presented. Personal relevance/involvement, knowledge gain and flexibility motivated participation. On the other hand, lack of time and technical barriers were obstacles. The empirical study showed different preferences among the respondents: while online games were popular in the quantitative survey, they were met with scepticism in the interviews. Low-threshold formats in combination with in-depth content, such as Instagram posts that refer to a digital workshop, could offer the greatest potential. Participatory formats can strengthen trust in institutions, but require clear target group addressing, easy access and professional moderation.
Further information on the project can be found here.
The final report is available here.
