Conducting a representative survey in 2021 entitled “What does Germany think about radiation? Survey 2021.

A central component of radiation protection is information to the public about radiation effects and radiation risk, as well as on the correct radiation protection behaviour.

Target-group-specific risk communication is based on knowledge of perceptions, behaviors and information needs in the population in general and in various social groups.

The aim of the research project is to assess the general societal anchoring of radiation and radiation protection and the perceptions, knowledge and information needs of the population in Germany. For this purpose, a telephone survey representative of the population living in Germany will be carried out in order to obtain reliable information on the handling of radiation and radiation protection. In an upstream qualitative survey, guide-based interviews with people from the population will be used to examine thinking patterns, knowledge and perceptions more intensively and to gain insights into the handling of radiation and radiation protection.

The survey is intended to provide important insights into the environment in which the BfS operates its scientific work and information and communication activities. The results provide impetus for the design of science and risk communication of the BfS and for the design of radiation protection concepts.