The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy

Concerns about the combined impact of declining levels of trust in science and increasing misinformation about science have become among the most discussed topics in science and policy circles. The multilateral system is alarmed by what is perceived as significant threats to its capacity to address global challenges. This working paper addresses this crucial problem by reviewing what research and practice in a range of fields from journalism to regulation have learned about trust in science in recent years, and the implications of that body of knowledge for policy-makers.

The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy

In a world of growing geopolitical tensions, science remains one common language for developing coordinated international action. When trust in science is compromised, the capacity for cohesive global policy action is further diminished. How can the multilateral policy interface engage effectively with science in ways trusted by populations?

To build trust, the paper suggests the need to update the science-policy interface model, considering the empirical evidence from the past 15 years. It explores new frameworks for envisioning what a healthy science-policy interface might look like and how it can engage with the issues that drive various communities to support or oppose science-policy interventions.

Presented by the ISC’s think tank, the Centre for Science Futures, in partnership with the UNESCO Unitwin Chair on Communication for Science as a Public Good, the report takes a systemic approach to the issue of trust in science, while also providing a practical set of questions and a framework that key stakeholders in the policy-science interface can use to identify global, regional, or local systemic requirements.

The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy

DOI: 10.24948/2023.10
‘The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for
Multilateral Policy’. The Centre for Science Futures, Paris. 2023

The report is an output of the Council’s project, The Public Value of Science, as part of its 2021-2024 Action Plan.

Also watch: A recording of the panel discussion at the Science Journalism Forum Reframing Trust in Science: What Are the Lessons for Science Journalism?

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