Fusion energy: A deeper look into attitudes among the general public

摘要: Abstract Already in the 1990′s, Fusion Project Evaluation Board recognised need for social research to gain understanding on public opinion towards fusion and elements that can contribute build trust among different actors field. The SERF program (Socioeconomic Research Fusion) was then started. In 2014, awareness acceptance of energy re-confirmed by EURO as crucial, both sociological community. Given is not a hot issue most publics, it little known distant from daily life, properly researching attitudes entails important methodological challenges. To address these challenges, this paper uses combined qualitative- quantitative approach examine fusion. Data were collected with open closed questions included survey Belgian adults (N = 365 respondents who said they had previously heard energy), using Computer Assisted Personal Interviews. analysis showed influential predictors are nuclear energy, science technology, perceived importance costs time needed develop energy. Our qualitative evidence confirms fission does play key role sense making about fusion, device define its comparison (either new, different, or still dangerous nuclear). results also some new ‘fusion brand’ emerged spontaneously participants; mobilised brand referred endless clean could solve our problem, scientific progress. Based results, we discuss implications development.