This working paper is an output of the Fukushima Global Communication research workshop “Understanding and Communicating Risks Post Fukushima”, held in Tokyo on 12–13 November 2015. The workshop brought together international experts to explore the specific challenges of understanding and discussing risks related to nuclear accidents, and identify appropriate and effective forms of risk communication. It was published in the Fukushima Global Communication Programme Working Paper Series (Number 15 — December 2015) of the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU‑IAS).