BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Commission for Risk Research and Risk Perception (RISKOM)

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment is legally mandated to inform the public about potential health risks associated with food, substances, and products. Its risk communication is aimed at target groups from the fields of science, economics, politics, public institutions, (consumer) associations, the media, non-governmental organisations, and consumers. In order to develop and evaluate communication measures tailored to specific target groups for consumer health protection, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts its own social science research. In a wide range of research projects, for example, the risk perception, attitudes and behaviours of various target groups are examined, specific characteristics are identified, existing communication measures are evaluated and recommendations are formulated.

The interdisciplinary Risk Communication Department brings together researchers from a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, communication studies and political science. They employ various research methods in carrying out their research projects, including individual interviews, focus groups, online and telephone surveys, as well as content and discourse analyses. The department also operates a behavioural science research laboratory.

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Commission for Risk Research and Risk Perception (RISKOM) advises the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment on the implementation of social science research projects, as well as on matters relating to risk communication practice. This advice may cover various stages of the research process, such as the selection of methodology and data analysis procedures as well as the translation of research findings into effective communication measures.

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment Commission for Risk Research and Risk Perception comprises experts from universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions, as well as non-governmental and consumer protection organizations who are able to advise the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment based on their professional background and expertise in the described areas.