Article

Changing perspectives: tracing the evolution of citizen radiation measuring organizations after Fukushima

¹ SCKCEN – Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, Mol, Belgium
² Centre for Sociological Research (CeSO), KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, Leuven, Belgium

^* Corresponding author: joke.kenens@kuleuven.be

Abstract

Although bottom-up citizen science in the field of radiation monitoring is not a new phenomenon, the organizations established in the wake of the Fukushima accident exceed preceding organizations in numbers, in space and in data production. Almost 10 years after the Fukushima nuclear accident, citizen radiation measuring organizations continue their activities stressing the importance of transparency, education and participation, despite the issues they are facing. Drawing on research on citizen science and results from fieldwork conducted in Japan, this paper reflects on the evolution of grassroots citizen science initiatives, contrasting their activities in the immediate aftermath of the Fukushima disaster to present day. By showing how some organizations have grown and others faded away, it demonstrates the intertwining and flexibility of citizen science initiatives in addressing concerns and needs expressed by local communities.