SCK CEN adds a new dimension to nuclear research. Impactful science is shaped by, and for, people

The Belgian nuclear research Centre SCK CEN is a pioneer in the integration of societal and ethical aspects in nuclear research. It set up its own research programme in this area in the 1990s. From this perspective as a pioneer, SCK CEN has successfully sparked the debate in Europe, and its efforts have been rewarded. From 2020 onwards, social sciences are becoming a focus for research into radiation protection. Four CONCERT-funded subprojects with a societal focus have already been completed, including CONFIDENCE. This extensive project identified uncertainties in crises and discussed how those uncertainties can affect outlined contingency planning.