The mirage of citizen engagement in uncertain science: Public attitudes towards hydrogen energy

Flynn, R, Ricci, M and Bellaby, P 2011, 'The mirage of citizen engagement in uncertain science: Public attitudes towards hydrogen energy' , International Journal of Science Education, Part B, 1 (18) .

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Abstract

This paper addresses some of the debates about citizen involvement in decisions about science and technological innovation. It describes some of the claims and scientific uncertainties surrounding hydrogen energy. It examines qualitative evidence from a series of recent case studies in the UK about public perceptions of hydrogen. It is shown that public attitudes towards citizen engagement are highly ambivalent. While citizens approve of greater consultation, they raise doubts about the degree to which laypersons can be mobilised to participate in public debates, they express contradictory views about their trust in experts, and they are sceptical about whether such involvement will influence policy. These findings add further questions about the efficacy of upstream public engagement in assessments of emergent or novel technologies. They also suggest that over-optimistic expectations about upstream engagement may have to be moderated.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	iFirst Article
Themes:	Energy
Schools:	Schools > School of Humanities, Languages & Social Sciences Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Applied Research in Health, Welfare and Policy
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Science Education, Part B
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	2154-8455
Depositing User:	Users 47901 not found.
Date Deposited:	13 Jul 2011 10:18
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 15:56
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/16631

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