Trust in science for policy nexus

The International Science Council (ISC), in collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and with co-sponsorship from the US National Science Foundation, co-organized the “Trust in science for policy nexus” workshop held in Ispra, Italy, on September 12-13, 2024. This workshop brought together experts to explore the complex dynamics of trust in science as it intersects with policy-making.

Trust in science for policy nexus

DOI: 10.2760/6212198 (online)

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About the workshop

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12 September 2024 – 14 min read

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This workshop addressed the challenges and strategies for fostering trust among scientists, policy-makers, and the public, particularly in the context of disinformation and the current political situation.

One of the most fundamental questions was how far issues of trust in science for policy can be separated from issues of trust in democratic institutions in general.

Discussions highlighted the need to integrate scientific evidence in a credible way into policy-making to bolster public trust in specific policies and the democratic system more generally.

Furthermore, there is a need for clear governance frameworks to manage expectations and ensure scientific integrity, to support scientists as “honest brokers” and to tackle criticism regarding the limitations of science.

The workshop highlighted that, while scientific evidence can strengthen policy-making and trust in political decisions and institutions, science is subject to human fallibility and scientific controversies, calling for a nuanced understanding of trust that recognizes the benefits and limits of science in policy-making.

The workshop also identified the need for further research into the complex relationships between scientific institutions, policy-makers, and the public, emphasizing the importance of transparent, responsible, and inclusive scientific practices to enhance trust in democratic governance.

Photo by Bruna Santos