Risk communication and the role of knowledge broker, experiences in Italy

Risk communication is a constitutive part of the science-policy interface, especially in the environment and health domain, ground for social, economic, and scientific contrasts. At an European level, the policies in this field are framed in specific Action Plans and public participation is required to promote risk governance. In Italy, field applications are increasing and public debate on evidence-based decision-making, risk governance, and policy management is growing. Those experiences show the need to build a respectful and fruitful dialog among stakeholders, devoting dedicated resources and professional figures to communication and mediation. The knowledge broker appears a key figure to connect the parties and enhance knowledge and responsibility.