Megan Connolly- Viva Congratulations
Posted
Congratulations to Megan who has successfully defended her thesis at viva. Megan’s thesis is titled “Public Attitudes to Fusion Energy: A Qualitative Study in the UK”
Here is an abstract
Fusion energy, the same process that powers the sun, is being developed as a potential clean, safe and abundant energy source. Yet very little is known about how people in the UK understand or feel about it. This study offers the first in-depth qualitative research into public attitudes to fusion, focusing on the government’s proposed STEP project.
Using interviews, media analysis, and participant observation across two case study sites, West Burton (the chosen STEP location) and Ardeer (a shortlisted site), the study explores how people make sense of fusion, the benefits and risks they perceive, and how place identity and local history shape these views.
Findings show general optimism about fusion’s potential but reveal persistent confusion with nuclear fission, mistrust in government, and the enduring effects of deindustrialisation on local confidence. In West Burton, some participants preferred fusion to other developments like solar farms, showing that nuclear technologies are not always met with resistance.
Overall, the research highlights the importance of early, transparent, and locally sensitive engagement to build trust, challenge misconceptions, and ensure emerging energy technologies like fusion are developed with the public, not just for them.
Well done Megan!
The link to Megan’s LinkedIn profile is;