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VERITY Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science

Based on the analysis of VERITY project outcomes, we present a structured and actionable framework to foster trust in science. This framework is grounded in the dynamic Ecosystem of Trust in Science, where trust is formed, shaped, negotiated, and influenced by various actors as Stewards of Trust (SoT).

Download VERITY Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science

The VERITY recommendations can be explored in two complementary ways:

By key strategic areas

Six overarching strategies that guide actions to foster trust in science.

By the roles of Stewards of Trust (SOTs)

The diverse actors who shape, implement, and sustain trust across the science–society ecosystem.

The VERITY donut figure illustrates this dual structure. The inner ring highlights six key strategies for fostering trust in science. Collaboration as a cross-cutting element that reinforces all other strategies is placed at the centre of this figure. Surrounding this, the outer ring represents the eight domains of Stewards of Trust, each playing a vital role in advancing public trust in science.

Strategies

Collaboration infographic
Building Trustworthy Science
Engaging the public in science processes
Education and Raising Awareness
Science Producers
Collaboration
Building Supportive Policy Frameworks

Stewards of Trust

Science Producers
Science Educators
Science Communicators
Science Policymakers
Science Funders
Science Implementers
Science Oversight and Protection Actors
Science-Society Facilitators
SoT Infographics

Be a Steward of Trust

Explore tailored resources and toolkits designed to help you implement VERITY recommendations and actively foster trust in science.

Explore tailored
recommendations

by strategy and by type of Steward of Trust

Interactive Data-Visualisation Tool

Implement the
recommendations

follow the scenario-building training
and apply the insights

Scenario-Building Training for Effective Implementation

Use the
Ambassadors’ toolkit

to share your commitment to
fostering trust in science

"I Am a Steward of Trust" & Ambassador Toolkits

Access the Full VERITY Repository on Zenodo

Scenario-Building Training for Effective Implementation of Recommendations

Building on the Scenario-Building Workshop held on 27 March 2025, led by ZSI with support from other VERITY partners, the project developed a Scenario-Building Training to help stakeholders put VERITY Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science into practice. The training offers a step-by-step methodological tool for exploring how specific VERITY recommendations can be applied in real-life individual, institutional or policy contexts.

The Scenario-Building Training can be used by all categories of Stewards of Trust (SOTs), such as policymakers, researchers, educators, funders, or science communicators, to create application scenarios. These scenarios allow users to identify enabling and hindering factors, anticipate risks, and plan for different outcomes (baseline, best-case, and worst-case).

The training’s purpose is to make VERITY’s Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science more actionable and transformative, supporting their clarity, relevance, and feasibility. It can also be used outside the VERITY project, as a flexible resource for exploring the practical implementation of recommendations in other contexts. It is available on the VERITY website and the Embassy of Good Science as an open resource for anyone interested in exploring recommendation implementation approaches and methodological tools for scenario building.

You can follow the VERITY Scenario-Building Training for Effective Implementation of Recommendations through the Embassy of Good Science platform.

Scenario-Building Training for Effective Implementation of Recommendations

Building Trustworthy Science

Trustworthy science is a fundamental prerequisite for the public to place their trust in science. It is foundational to the relationship between science and society.

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Engaging the Public in Science Processes

VERITY research demonstrates that involving the public in scientific processes strengthens trust in science by promoting transparency and mutual understanding between researchers and society. Rather than treating the public as passive recipients of science communication, meaningful engagement positions them as active contributors to research design and implementation.

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Education and Raising Awareness

Education and raising awareness among the public and Stewards of Trust are essential for fostering trust in science, as they bridge the gap between scientific advancements and societal understanding.

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Science Communication

Science communication plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and society. It enables people to understand complex issues, make informed decisions, and engage meaningfully with science-based policies that affect their lives. In an era of widespread mis/disinformation, polarisation, and rapid technological change, clear, transparent, and inclusive science communication is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability. 

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Collaboration

Collaboration is crucial for fostering trust in science because trust is not built in isolation but emerges through the coordinated actions of diverse actors across the trust in science ecosystem. Researchers, educators, communicators, policymakers, funders, and civil society each play distinct but interconnected roles in shaping how science is produced, shared, understood, and used.

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Building Supportive Policy Frameworks

Supportive policy frameworks are essential for embedding trust in science at the structural level. They create the conditions under which scientific excellence, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and ethical standards can flourish across the research and innovation landscape.

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Science Producers

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Science Producers focus on conducting research, producing new knowledge, and developing scientific innovations.

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Science Educators

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Science Educators engage in teaching scientific knowledge in formal and informal settings, such as schools, universities, and other educational institutions at various levels.

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Science Communicators

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), science communicators share scientific information with diverse audiences through journalism, public outreach, or scientific publications, such as academic publishers, traditional and social media organisations.

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Science Policymakers

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Policymakers frame, design, advise on, or implement policies related to science, research, and innovation, such as legislative branches and regulatory agencies, think tanks, science advisory boards and councils, and international policy organisations.

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Science Funders

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Science Funders provide financial resources and support scientific research through advocacy or funding bodies, such as public and private funding institutions.

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Science Implementers

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Science Implementers apply scientific findings to practical or operational contexts, such as industry institutions, technology transfer offices, incubators and accelerators.

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Science Oversight and Protection Actors

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Science Oversight and Protection Actors ensure that scientific research adheres to ethical, legal, and safety standards, such as research ethics and integrity committees, compliance and auditing bodies.

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Science-Society Facilitators

As Stewards of Trust (SOT), Science-Society Facilitators engage the public in scientific initiatives and foster collaboration between scientists and society, such as civil society organisations (CSOs), science advocacy groups, and community advisory boards.

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