ABSTRACT
The discussion of nuclear power has shown the growing relevance of public opinion for science and technology. I have highlighted the long-term changes in public opinion and the key events that fostered the change. This history alerted scientists, engineers, activists and politicians to the fact that public opinion can be both lost and gained. Finally, the nuclear debate shows the social sciences in innovative spirit: new ‘names’ were coined for a recalcitrant public. Scientists and engineers eagerly adopted what social scientists elaborated: the public understanding of science (PUS) resonated among scientists, risk perception (RIP) more among engineers. Both notions deal with a recalcitrant public at times doubtful over nuclear power, genetic engineering or information technology.
