Course on Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion
Online course of 300 h in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion. 6 modules covering Aarhus Convention (access to information and public participation), European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA) and Canva. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the presence of fusion in public debate.
Apply ethical principles of science communication.
Communicate the timescales, risks and benefits of fusion rigorously.
Avoid overpromising and technological sensationalism.
Select audiences and dissemination channels.
Design participation processes that build trust.
Develop a communication strategy on fusion.
Who it's for
- Science communicator looking to specialise in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion.
- Communications manager for fusion projects looking to specialise in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion.
- Research ethics specialist looking to specialise in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion.
- Institutional relations manager looking to specialise in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion.
- Science journalist looking to specialise in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion.
- Public engagement officer looking to specialise in Ethics in Public Communication on Fusion.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into fusion research centres.
What you'll work with
- Aarhus Convention (access to information and public participation)
- European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA)
- Regulation (EU) 2021/695 (Horizon Europe)
- Directive 2013/59/Euratom (basic safety standards)
- Singapore Statement on Research Integrity
- ISO 26000 (social responsibility)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1The real state of fusion: ITER, JET and NIF1.2NIF ignition milestone in 20221.3JET's energy record in 20231.4Private companies: CFS, TAE and Tokamak Energy1.5Timescales and the thirty-years-away joke1.6Differences from fission as perceived by the public1.7Media coverage of fusion1.8Public perception surveys1.9Narratives of unlimited energy1.10Case study: analysis of headlines on ignition
2.1Truthfulness and intellectual honesty2.2Communicating uncertainty and timescales2.3Scientific hype and its consequences2.4Scientific gain versus engineering gain2.5Conflicts of interest in outreach2.6Investor-funded communication2.7Responsibility for false expectations2.8The ethics of embargoes and press releases2.9Rigour versus communicative appeal2.10Workshop: ethical rewrite of a press release
3.1Tritium: inventory, permeation and emissions3.2Material activation and fusion waste3.3Inherent safety and the absence of a chain reaction3.4Non-proliferation aspects of fusion3.5Lithium and beryllium requirements3.6Costs and competition with renewables3.7The role of fusion in decarbonisation3.8Fusion regulation in the UK and the US3.9Honest comparison with other sources3.10Practice: risk and benefit fact sheet for the general public
4.1Communicating with policymakers4.2Communicating with investors4.3Communicating with communities near facilities4.4Outreach in schools4.5Specialist science journalism4.6Social media and online communities4.7Appropriate visualisations and analogies4.8Museums and ITER visitor centres4.9Handling criticism and disinformation4.10Case study: communication about ITER at Cadarache
5.1The deficit model versus dialogue5.2Citizen science and participation5.3Public consultations on fusion facilities5.4Trust in scientific institutions5.5Transparency about delays and cost overruns5.6Communicating experimental failures5.7Diversity of voices in communication5.8Evaluating communication impact5.9Emergency communication at tritium facilities5.10Workshop: designing a citizens' forum on fusion
6.1Defining the message and the context6.2Audience analysis6.3Identifying ethical risks6.4Content and channel design6.5Uncertainty management plan6.6Evaluation indicators6.7Ethical review of the strategy6.8Summary of conclusions6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is Canva, Qualtrics, Hootsuite, NVivo, in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from analysis of media coverage of fusion, design of outreach campaigns, participatory processes with the public. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the presence of fusion in public debate.
Apply ethical principles of science communication.
Communicate the timescales, risks and benefits of fusion rigorously.
Avoid overpromising and technological sensationalism.
Select audiences and dissemination channels.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Canva, Qualtrics, Hootsuite, NVivo. Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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