Research on transdisciplinary aspects of education and training

Understanding the benefits and risks of radioactivity requires technical insight and training, but also an insight in the context and a sense for the social and philosophical aspects of the situation. In coordination with the academic sector, the research of SCK•CEN's international school for Radiological Protection (isRP) concentrates on how to integrate this transdisciplinary approach in education and training programmes for professionals as well as students and pupils.

Pupils have a wide attention span and are eager to learn. In our complex society, they should be able to develop an open and critical mind in order to gain more insight in and confidence towards multi-aspect issues such as the risks and benefits of radioactivity and nuclear technology, and their possible applications in the medical and energy sector. In this sense, isRP interacts with teachers of high schools in order to discuss how the standard education programme can integrate a pluralistic approach to complex technical issues such as the applications of radioactivity. The aim is to identify gaps in the existing curriculum and to find out how to establish links between specific courses and how to organise ‘cross-over’ sessions in practice.

Towards the general public, isRP works together with Belgian industries' visitors centres and with the regional and Belgian state-sponsored communication activities on physics and nuclear science. In cooperation with SCK•CEN's PISA (program of Integration of Social Aspects into Nuclear Research), isRP has built up experience with the theory and practice of participation and involvement in technology assessment. On various occasions, the two groups organise round tables, workshops and focus groups with schools and local communities, and this on topics such as medical applications of radioactivity, (nuclear) energy policy and radioactive waste management.

More information:
Coeck Michèle,
Meskens Gaston,