Trustworthy, Reliable and Engaging Scientific Communication Approaches

Related Initiative

What is this about?

The report examines how science communication interacts with policy-making, particularly how policymakers consume, interpret, and use scientific information especially in areas linked to innovation, digitalisation, environmental health, and misinformation. The report reviews global trends in science communication, noting longstanding patterns and those accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increased digitalisation, visualisation, open science practices, and fact-checking efforts. It explores science communication at international, EU, and national levels (Austria, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands) through desk research and interviews with policymakers. The analysis identifies how features like audience needs, communicator roles, message format, and media environment affect effective science-policy engagement. Conclusions are drawn about the mutual influence between science communication and policy and how evolving communication practices shape evidence use. Policy recommendations are outlined to strengthen dialogue between scientists and policymakers and support evidence-informed decision-making.

Why is this important?

This report is important because it helps bridge a major gap in how scientific knowledge informs public policy. By systematically analysing how policymakers access, interpret, and use scientific information, it identifies barriers and opportunities in science–policy communication. Its insights are particularly valuable in contexts where misinformation and rapid digital transformations challenge evidence-informed decision-making. The document highlights emerging trends (e.g., digital tools, visualisation, fact-checking) that can improve trust and effectiveness in such communication. It also provides concrete recommendations that could help institutions design better science-to-policy engagement strategies. For researchers, communicators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen evidence-based policies in health, innovation, and digital governance, this work provides a structured understanding of what works and why.

For whom is this important?

EU policymakers and legislatorsResearchers and science communicatorsScience communicators and media professionalsCivil Society and Citizens

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