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UID:pretalx-citizen-science-communication-trust-2026-JGRVT3@ifkw.rz.tu-bs.d
 e
DTSTART;TZID=CET:20261005T133000
DTEND;TZID=CET:20261005T134500
DESCRIPTION:How can we ensure effective communication in a citizen science 
 project that addresses a societally controversial topic? This is the centr
 al science communication question guiding the CitizenELF project - ELF ref
 erring to Extreme Low Frequency radiation\, a form of electromagnetic radi
 ation. Our research focuses specifically on magnetic fields generated by h
 igh‑voltage power lines. Citizens living near such infrastructure often 
 express concern about the potential long‑term health effects of exposure
 . Although the Flemish government applies the precautionary principle and 
 aims to limit exposure\, there is currently no concrete dataset describing
  the actual radiation levels in the proximity of these power lines. With t
 his project\, we aim to map the real situation without provoking unnecessa
 ry anxiety or mistrust. \n\n \n\nCommissioned by the Flemish Department of
  Environment\, the CitizenELF study is carried out by Scivil\, the Flemish
  Knowledge and Research Center for Citizen Science\, in collaboration with
  Ghent University and Imec. The project invites residents living within 10
 0 meters of a high‑voltage transmission line to participate. Participant
 s receive accessible information and a plug‑in sensor that collects meas
 urements automatically for at least one week. Apart from filling in a shor
 t questionnaire\, no further action is required. From a citizen science pe
 rspective\, the tasks are intentionally designed to be inclusive and easy 
 for everyone. \n\n \n\nFrom a science communication standpoint however\, t
 he project presents two key challenges: \n\nTrust and sensitivity. \nWhile
  no causal relationship has been proven between ELF radiation and health e
 ffects\, a statistical association has been observed between prolonged exp
 osure near high‑voltage lines and childhood leukemia. This finding under
 pins the Flemish precautionary policy to avoid long‑term exposure above 
 0.4 µT\, especially around children’s facilities (schools\, daycares\, 
 residential areas). Public debate on new power lines has been intense in r
 ecent years\, with campaigns using emotionally charged slogans such as “
 No against leukemia.” This context illustrates a significant level of pu
 blic concern and low trust - requiring careful\, transparent\, and empathe
 tic communication. \n\nReaching the right audience. \nEffective science co
 mmunication begins with a clearly defined target group. However\, our targ
 et is based solely on geographical proximity rather than demographic chara
 cteristics: anyone living within 100 meters of a power line. This results 
 in a highly diverse and unpredictable audience\, making it challenging to 
 tailor messages or identify accessible communication channels. Reaching th
 is dispersed group demands creative and location‑specific strategies. \n
 \n \n\nIn our presentation\, we will outline our communication strategy wi
 th a focus on these two challenges. As the project officially launches in 
 the summer of 2026\, we aim to share early insights\, experiences\, and le
 ssons learned from the first round of citizen measurements. While it will 
 be too early to assess long‑term changes in trust\, we hope to offer pra
 ctical guidance and inspiration to colleagues working on similarly sensiti
 ve or complex topics.
DTSTAMP:20260721T202342Z
LOCATION:Room 1
SUMMARY:Measuring Without Alarm:  Engaging Citizens in Electromagnetic Radi
 ation Research - Steve Bers
URL:https://ifkw.rz.tu-bs.de/citizen-science-communication-trust-2026/talk/
 JGRVT3/
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