On this page, you will find an overview of current and completed studies into behaviour and perception relating to environmental and safety issues. Subdivided into our 4 research areas:
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We support society by providing advice on perception and behaviour to the government (central government, provinces and municipalities), professionals and citizens and by sharing our knowledge. If you would like to know more about the possibilities for research, please send an email to onderzoekperceptieengedrag@rivm.nl.
Citizen participation
- 2024. RIVM has investigated the success factors and pitfalls of citizen participation within the energy transition. This research combines theoretical and practical tools to increase the quality of participation processes in the context of the energy transition. (Dutch report)
- 2024. In the project ‘Citizen monitoring network train traffic in America’, residents of America (Northern Limburg) have designed a research plan together with RIVM to map out noise and noise pollution in their living environment. RIVM has helped residents with the measurements and has conducted additional research to map out the nuisance. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2023. Research into involving citizens in circular clothing choices(PDF) in the context of sustainability. (Dutch report)
- 2023. Research into how the collaboration to measure air quality and odour nuisance around livestock farms in Venray influenced mutual trust and understanding.
- 2019-2023. Prior to research into the living environment and health around Tata Steel, local residents actively participated in the research questions and the research design (2019-2023). During the term of the various RIVM studies, a group with residents and independent experts remained active to provide input to the studies and to reflect on the results. General information can be found at Tata Steel | RIVM. (in Dutch)
- 2022. In the project ‘Farmers and Local Residents’ (in Dutch), residents, farmers and the municipality of Venray worked together around livestock farms under the supervision of RIVM to measure air quality and odour nuisance.
Risk and safety perception
- 2025. Public images of a safe and healthy energy transition, sub-report geothermal energy. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2025. Public images of a safe and healthy energy transition, sub-report hydrogen and ammonia. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2024. Exploration of the needs for research into PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and the health of residents around Chemours and the Western Scheldt. (Dutch report)
- 2024. Perception of exposure, concerns about radon in homes, and perceived vulnerability to becoming ill (Part of the report Radon in Dutch homes, in regular workplaces and in buildings with public access). (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2024. Risk perception, perceived barriers and safe behaviour of construction workers around working with quartz dust (preprint).
- 2024. Social science perspectives on policy-making regarding dealing with uncertainty and risks in the Dutch energy transition.
- 2024. The fact sheet (and appendix to this literature study) How citizens think about nuclear energy, nuclear power plants and radioactive waste is about factors that are related to citizens' perspectives on nuclear energy, nuclear power plants and radioactive waste. (Dutch reports)
- 2023. Exploration of the perception of citizens about the safety of the intended transport of hydrogen through existing high-pressure (natural gas) pipelines and what information needs they have in this regard. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2018-2023. The RIVM has developed a scientific approach to assess how people experience safety in the vicinity of activities involving hazardous substances. (in Dutch)
- 2021. Assessing the safety perception and information needs of residents around chemical clusters: Chemelot perception study. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2020. Citizen perspectives on chemical substances, food additives and food contaminants.
- 2018. Public perception and communication about radiation risks, how to connect risk communication to the needs of citizens. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
Risk communication
- 2021. Research into the effect of leaflets with information about exposure to particulate matter at work.
- 2021. Developing public information on emerging chemical and microbial contaminants in drinking water.
- 2021. Risk communication around various crises: use of rubber granulate on sports fields, meningococcal-W and COVID-19.
- 2017. Classifying uncertainties about risks for well-considered risk communication. Which aspects of risk are scientists uncertain about when referring to uncertain risks?
- 2016. Risk communication about radiation accidents and the distribution of iodine tablets. How communication about radiation accidents, radiation incidents and the distribution of iodine tablets can meet people's information needs and the images they have in their minds. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
Behaviour
- 2025. An exploration into the broadening of considerations regarding packages of measures in the event of radiation accidents, has identified which aspects are relevant to take into account when preparing and implementing measures. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2024. The Behavioral Scan for Mobility Policy provides, by means of a tool, handles to process insights into behavior in mobility policy. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2024. Risk perception, perceived barriers and safe behavior of construction workers around working with quartz dust (preprint).
- 2023. Consumer safety; what are the underlying causes of consumer accidents at home involving machines and portable climbing equipment. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2023. Research into the consequences of climate change on the mental health and well-being of citizens. (Dutch report, English synopsis)
- 2021. Assessment of the needs among hay fever patients carried out in the context of an advice on the usefulness and necessity of a pollen measurement network. (Dutch report, English synopsis)