Following the success of the fourth edition of the Nuclear Risk Communication Training Course (RCTC), the NEA will host the 2025 edition in Bucharest, Romania, in co-ordination with the National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN) and the Nuclear Agency for Radioactive Waste (ANDR) from 17 to 20 November 2025. An optional site tour will take place on 21 November 2025.

This training course will focus on communicating risk in day-to-day contexts, aiming to improve the effectiveness of risk communication and enhancing public understanding related to nuclear and radiological risk.

Over the course of four days, participants will engage with communication experts and technical professionals from nuclear energy organisations to learn the fundamentals of risk communication.

Please note that the agenda is provisional and subject to change.

E-learning (pre-work)

• E-1: Risk Communication versus Crisis Communication
• E-2: Keys to an Effective Communication Plan
• E-3: Introduction to Nuclear and Radiological Risk (optional reading)

Session 1: Why is risk communication important for nuclear organisations?

• Overview of Risk Communication Objectives, Challenges and Perception Assessment
• Romania Case: Public Communication Strategy in Armed Conflict
• Stakeholder Engagement
• How to Build Trust 
• Trust Self-Assesment Exercise
• Communicating Risk After Trust is Lost

Session 2: The art of effective risk communication

• Countering Rumours, Conspiracy Theories and Fake News in the Information Landscape
• Your audience – messaging: Get to the point
• Romania case: Keynote Lecture on Mis- and Dis-information
• Simulation Exercises on Handling Mis- and Dis-information
• Tackling Misinformation and Retaining Public Trust in Disruptive Information Environments

Session 3: The techniques, practical implementation and specific challenges

• Techniques, Tools and Channels in Nuclear and Radiological Risk Communication
• Communication rules – not only for media engagement
• The Importance of Plain Language and Exercise on Plain Language with Pressure
• AI Challenges in Risk Communication
• The Role of Emotions in Risk Communication

Session 4: Group Projects

Site tour (optional): 21 November 2025

Professionals working in nuclear regulatory organisations, technical scientific support organisations, agencies for radioactive waste management and other related governmental organisations responsible for communicating or engaging with the public and decision makers about nuclear and radiological risks and associated topics.

• Participants should register by 15 September 2025 (Deadline extended)
• Registration fee (payable on acceptance): EUR 1250
• Participant numbers are limited to 50-60, with selection based on a number of factors that aim to assemble a diverse representation of nationality, gender, professional background and motivation (among others).
• Participants will be notified of their acceptance to the course in September 2025

Registration for the workshop is now closed.