Risk, Science, Health and the Media
The concept of 'risk' poses challenges for how we think about the media's role in contemporary society. It raises issues about power, inequality, expertise, communication and uncertainty. It also prompts debates about 'Risk Society' and scientific citizenship.
This research group examines the whole circuit of communication addressing questions such as: How is risk, science, technology and health reporting 'produced' (by sources and journalists)? How are concerns represented in the media (from news reporting to science fiction)? How is risk interpreted/incorporated (by media audiences, policy makers, and 'publics')?
Funded Research
This research group has been involved in over M£1 of funded research. Major project topics include genomics, representations of emerging technologies, mediated debates around stem cell research and the representation of women in science.
Funding bodies include Wellcome Trust, CESAGen, UKRC and the Department of Health. Funded Projects
We have also done extensive work on the role of the media in social issues such as: sexual violence, nuclear accidents, terrorism and war, children and traumatic news events. In addition we have developed cross-disciplinary initiatives such as the Chronic Disorders of Consciousness Group.
Most Recent
Mapping the Field: Specialist science news journalism in the UK national media - Funded by the Science and the Media Expert Group (Department of Business, Innovation and Skills)
UK National Newspaper Coverage of Hybrid Embryos - Funded by Medical Research Council, Association of Medical Sciences, Wellcome Trust, and Science Media Centre
PhD students studying risk
A lively group of PhD students are developing studies in a wide range of areas around risk. These include projects on 'Media reporting of AIDS in Ghana' (Alex Puplampu), 'The debate about genetically modified crops in the UK' (Emma Hughes), 'Images of nuclear apocalypse' (Gwilym Thear), 'Audience responses to TV drama about human cloning' (Grace Reid): 'The Media Coverage of Africa's Genetically Modified Foods Debates' (Adeyinka Oduwole).
MSc in Science, Media and Communication
We contribute to the new MSc in Science, Media and Communication - a collaboration between us, the Cardiff School of Social Sciences, and Techniquest. MSc in Science, Media and Communication
Publications
Members of the Group have produced many publications.
Links with other research groups
Many of our research projects involve interdisciplinary collaborations with other Schools at Cardiff and members of the ’Risk' group also contribute to research within JOMEC focusing on ‘Mediatized conflict’, ‘Journalism studies research’ and ‘Race, representation and cultural identity’.
International collaboration
We also have strong links with colleagues both nationally and internationally and the School attracts Visiting Fellows from all over the world.
