Citizen science and nuclear technologies, with Michiel Van Oudheusden

What roles can citizen science play in the governance of nuclear technologies? In this episode, I explore this topic with Michiel Van Oudheusden, Associate Professor of Public Participation in Science and Democracy at VU Amsterdam. Michiel previously worked at the Nuclear Research Centre in Belgium, and had the opportunity to study citizen science initiatives focused on managing nuclear technologies in both Japan and the European Union. We explore what he found in this work, and discuss how these lessons might apply to the Australian context – particularly given the growth in our involvement with nuclear technology due to AUKUS.

This is our final episode for this season. Stay tuned for Season 2 in March 2026.

CREDITS

Guest: Michiel Van Oudheusden

Host: Liz Williams

Audio Producer: Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio)

Acknowledgements

Thank you to A/Prof Fabien Medvecky for recommending Michiel's work to me.

The usual end matter

Nuclear Matters is a production of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this podcast is being recorded on or listened to, and pay our respects to their Elders – and all First Nations people.

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Keep in mind that this podcast is intended for information and education only. The views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the official policy or position of the Australian National University College of Systems and Society or the University as a whole.