Needfulness and challenges of internationalisation and involvement of international environmental NGOs in University research and education: The lessons learned from nuclear waste management sector research projects

Society’s perceptions of desired democratic standards in radioactive waste management sector have changed significantly in the recent two decades. The change, known also as ‘participatory turn’, can be well illustrated on the example of site selection process for a geological repository of spent nuclear fuel in the Czech Republic. Empiric evidence from this process outlines links between the roles of Governmental bodies, NGOs, research institutions and businesses in dealing with the new challenges in decision making procedures concerning spent nuclear fuel. Selected examples from the EURATOM financed research projects ARGONA, COWAM and IPPA illustrate a growing need for internationalisation and involvement of environmental NGOs in related research and education processes in a near future.