Watch live: UK-Japan Risk Communication Symposium
The British Embassy in Tokyo will be hosting the "UK-Japan Risk Communication Symposium" on 12-13 February 2014.
Following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, there has been a reconsideration of how issues of risk can be communicated effectively and accurately. Media reports carrying news on issues in Fukushima have not always been in proportion and have caused confusion especially directly after the accident. In other instances, accurate information has been issued but interpreted falsely leading to a gap between actual and perceived risk. The relationship between government, scientists, media and public is a delicate balance that requires constant improvement.
On Thursday 13 February from 9.30 - 13.15, you can watch the symposium discussion on “Risk Communicaiton in Context: Radiation and Health” live on our Ustream channel.
Risk Communication in Context: Radiation and Health:
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Prof Shiro Matsui from Fukushima Medical University will share his experiences of risk communication immediately follwing an accident.
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Prof Gerry Thomas from Imperial College London will discuss her research into the health effects of radiation and discuss lessons learnt from the Chernobyl Tissue Bank.
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Dr Wouter Poortinga from Cardiff University will explore the psychology of public perception of risk.
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Prof David Sanderson from The University of Glasgow will discuss his research into the efficacy of food control.
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The Ministry of Environment, Japan will give an introduction to their decontamination efforts.
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Symposium moderator, TV presenter and journalist, Nick Ross will share his experiences reporting in the UK and his recent in depth programme on the legacy of Chernobyl.
This will be followed with a panel discussion in which journalist David McNeill, local media from Fukushima and the speakers will discuss how the media reports on low-level radiation, and how to bridge the gap between actual and perceived risk.