Paper short abstract:

This contribution draws on an ongoing research project on lead-cooled nuclear technologies, to present how techno-scientific nuclear researchers and engineers perceive responsible research and innovation, and their role in it. It also discusses methodogolical challenges of studying this topic.

Paper long abstract:

Pleas for increased responsiveness, anticipation, inclusivity and reflection regarding societal needs and impacts of innovation have increased over the years. This has sparked questions on how a stronger sociotechnical integration can be achieved, in order to align technological advancements more closely with societal values. In this contribution, experiences regarding such alignment from an ongoing research project on lead-cooled nuclear technologies are presented and discussed. In the project, named ANSELMUS, one of the research tasks is dedicated to reflections and actions regarding the integration of social and ethical considerations in techno-scientific research. Using a short questionnaire, Socio-Technical Integration Research (STIR) sessions and a workshop, insight is gained in how engineers and technical researchers working in the project perceive responsible research and innovation, and their role therein. This contribution focuses particularly on the experiences gained at the Belgian Nuclear Centre, providing relevant insights in researchers’ perceptions about socio-technical entanglements in their everyday work. Specific emphasis is put on the (limited) agency researchers attribute themselves in influencing the course and contents of research and development, referring to perceived structural factors such as secrecy, organizational hierarchies and limited resources. Finally, this presentation also reflects on challenges experienced when conducting research on socio-technical integration, with particular attention for organizational reforms, and the handling of differing expectations and ontologies.