Risk Communication: a future challenge in a globalised world 
Friday, July 28, 2006 - Sunday, July 30, 2006
In conjunction with The European Journalism Centre (EJC) and the Vesalius College, Brussels
One of the most relevant (rarely researched and scarcely reported) chapters in the communication policies' doctrine is precisely the process of effective and accurate information of "risks" not only among politicians, officials, decision-makers, businessmen, stakeholders and risk-managers, but also the general public.
Too often today journalists and scientists are used as pawns in regulatory debates on environment and health risks. It can be difficult for them to sufficiently communicate on these issues, and to use the scientific information in a manner which can encourage dialogue and understanding rather than generate fear or misperception. A number of eminent journalists, science communicators, risk communications professionals and concerned scientists have united to develop this training course to train professionals and students who are interested or involved in the area of the communication of scientific results related to risks / crises / hazards.
A snapshot of the type of case studies that will be dealt with during the seminar:
In 2005, the EU debate on the future of its chemicals policy (REACH) hit its pinnacle, with NGOs, lobbyists and industry aiming its campaigns at the media in an attempt to influence the debate as the European Parliament struggled with its largest ever regulatory endeavour. At that time, David Zaruk worked for the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) handling REACH communications, and then for the EU office of a major lobbyist for the chemical industry, Burson-Marsteller. His behind the scenes observations on how the media was manipulated, especially with the excessive exaggeration of biomonitoring blood test results, should surprise even the most experienced journalists.
If you would like to be kept up to date about this course subject, please send us an email.
Applicant Profile
The seminar is aimed at journalists and other media professionals, government and International organisations officials, decision-makers as well as scholars in media and Communication Studies.
Application 
Applicants should submit their completed application form (by post or fax) as soon as possible.
Only a few places are still available. Applicants will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis.
Contact us to enquire about availability.
AMSU Course Name: MEDIA-3.
Details
Date: Friday, July 28, 2006 - Sunday, July 30, 2006.
Application Deadline: Only a few places are still available. Applicants will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis.
Contact us to enquire about availability.
Capacity: 25 participants.
Language of Instruction: English.
Certificate: Certificate of attendance on completion of the course.
Location: International Press Centre (IPC), Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155, block C. Brussels, Belgium. Meeting room: J@YS (Journalists at Your Service Helpdesk), 2nd floor.
Fee: € 650,-
Initiators: EJC - European journalism Centre, The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University (AMSU), Vesalius College.
Coordination: The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University (AMSU).
Registration: Confirmed participants are expected to register at the International Press Centre (IPC), Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155,block C. Brussels Belgium, on Friday, July 28, 2006, between 08.45 AM and 09:00 AM.
Course Leader
Dr. Georgios Terzis (Greece) - Associate Professor, Journalist, Communication Expert.
Dr. Georgios Terzis is an associate professor at Vesalius College, Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium and the chair of the journalism studies section of the European Communication Research and Education Association. He received his Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the Katholieke Universiteit Brussel and he also studied Journalism and Mass Communication in Greece, U.K., USA and The Netherlands. He worked as a foreign correspondent for Greek Media and as a course leader for the European Journalism Centre, training journalists from all over the world on EU affairs. Finally, he organized Media and Conflict Resolution programs and trainings for journalists from Angola, BiH, Cyprus, Greece, The Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Related: Partner Organizations: EJC - European journalism Centre; Partner Organizations: Vesalius College.
Programme
Friday, July 28, 2006
09.00 AM Introduction to the EJC, the programme and workshop logistics;
Ruggero Lala (AMSU) Giuseppe Zaffuto, EJC Senior Project Manager and George Terzis, Course Leader;
09.15 AM The precautionary principle;
Dr. Michael Rogers, Previously Science and Ethics, EC Bureau of European Policy Advisers;
10.45 AM Communicating the risk of terrorism;
Dr. Jamie Shea, Director, Policy Planning, Private Office of the Secretary General, NATO;
12.15 PM Lunch;
01.45 PM Risk Analysis - Where should Risk Communication take place?;
Mr Andreas Kadi, EU Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Director, European Union Group, Coca-Cola Services;
03.15 PM Coffee Break;
03.30 PM Perceptions and communication in modern technology: the nanotechnology story;
Pilar Aguar, Research Programme Officer, European Commission, DG Research, Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies;
05.00 PM End of the Day.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
09.30 AM Playing the risk card: How stakeholders use the media;
Dr. David Zaruk, Risk Perception Management (presently at Cefic, The European Chemical Industry Council);
11.00 AM Coffee Break;
11.15 AM Workshop on Perceptions of risk: REACH, risk and chemicals perception;
Dr. David Zaruk, Risk Perception Management (presently at Cefic, The European Chemical Industry Council);
12.45 PM Lunch;
02.00 PM To see is not necessarily to believe;
An examination of attitudes towards news media;
Dr. François Heinderyckx, Professor, Chairman of the Graduate programme in Information and communication, Université Libre de Bruxelles;
03.30 PM Coffee Break;
03.45 PM Structural Impediments to Successful Mediated Risk Communication;
Dr. George Terzis, Chair Communications Dept., Vesalius College, Vrije Universiteit Brussel;
05.00 PM End of the Day.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
9.30 AM Impact of scientific advice on policy;
Dr. Dorian Karatzas European Commission Scientific Advice and Governance Unit Science and Society Directorate;
11.00 AM Should I worry about my mobile phone? BBC TV documentary about health risks;
12.00 PM Lunch;
13.30 PM Simulation exercise on computers;
14.30 PM Closing session and evaluation.
Links
http://www.communicatingrisk.org Communicating Risk
An Online Learning Center For Journalists, Public Officials & Scientists
Accommodation
For this course participants should arrange their own accomodation.
These links to booking sites and hotels in Brussels are provided as a courtesy. The Amsterdam-Maastricht Summer University (AMSU) and the European Journalism Center (EJC) hold no responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the material contained in linked website and hotels' reservation services.
Hotels
Crowne Plaza Europa Hotel
Rue de la Loi 107; 1040 Brussels; Belgium; tel.: +32 2 2301333, fax: +32 2 2300326
New Hotel Charlemagne
Boulevard Charlemagne 25/27; 1040 Brussels; tel: +32 2 2302135
Hostels
Sleep Well Youth Hostel
Rue du Damier 23; 1000 Brussels; tel.: +32 2 2185050; fax: +32 2 2181313
Flemish Youth Hostels (VJH)
Follow the link and select Brussels.
tel.: +31 3 2327218
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