Analysis of the current situation and needs of university students concerning nuclear science popularization: A case study in Guangdong Province, China

With China's shift towards modifying its coal-based energy mix, developing nuclear power and constructing nuclear power plants have become central strategies. While nuclear energy offers economic and environmental benefits, the impact of nuclear science popularization on people's attitudes, especially those of students, towards nuclear power development remains a concern. This study examines university students’ needs and attitudes towards nuclear science popularization. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey ( n = 506) administered to university students studying in Guangdong Province. Regression analysis revealed that university students’ willingness to study nuclear science is related to their concerns about nuclear science, their need for nuclear knowledge and their support for nuclear energy. In addition, only 12% of students have learned nuclear knowledge in university classes, and 13% have acquired that knowledge outside of classes. Notably, 89% of students want to learn more about nuclear science in the future. These findings suggest that nuclear science popularization efforts should identify and address the factors influencing students’ willingness to learn so that effective measures can be implemented to improve nuclear science popularization.