5th European Spring School
of History of Science and Popularization:
international workshop
“Radioactivity in the Public Sphere”

Maó (Menorca), 21-23 May 2009

Institut Menorquí d'Estudis (IME)
Societat Catalana d'Història de la Ciència i de la Tècnica (SCHCT)
European Society for the History of Science (ESHS)
Centre d'Història de la Ciència (CEHIC), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Radioactivity and nuclear energy have featured extensively in media since early 20th century, and therefore constitute an excellent terrain to study the interaction between science and its publics. Being initially portrayed as a medical and technological wonder, the destructive power released in Hiroshima and Nagasaki reinforced fears about the damaging effects of radioactivity. This double-faced nature, which mirrors the dual character of being a heavily promoted and much contested science, makes radioactivity a most interesting vehicle to explore discipline building strategies through the media, popular appropriations and risk management strategies.

The fifth edition of the European Spring School will focus on two major issues: the historical evolution of public perception of radioactivity, and the role of media in shaping public perception of radioactivity's benefits and dangers. A variety of actors would be considered in this discussion, including scientists, the state and the media.



Scientific Coordinator: Néstor Herran.

Organizing Committee: Àlvar Martínez-Vidal, Néstor Herran, Josep Miquel Vidal, Jaume Sastre, Yoko Tochigi, Sara Lugo.