VERITY Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science: Science Producers

Related Initiative

What is this about?

This resource provides targeted recommendations for Science Producers—scientists, research institutions, government agencies, private innovators, and public-private partnerships—on how to foster societal trust in science. The recommendations stress transparency, reproducibility, ethical practices, communication, open science, and co-creation. By adopting these approaches, Science Producers can strengthen trust across the broader ecosystem of science and society.

Why is this important?

Science Producers are central to the Ecosystem of Trust in Science, as they directly generate research outputs, knowledge, and innovations that influence society. However, trust in their work is constrained by opaque knowledge-production processes, competitive funding structures, and performance metrics that prioritise outputs over societal value or collaboration. This environment discourages open science, interdisciplinary work, and co-creation with the public, weakening perceptions of science as a collective good.

At the same time, scientific research faces profound systemic changes. The rise of artificial intelligence, new funding mechanisms, and cross-sector collaborations provide opportunities to accelerate research and broaden participation. Yet they also raise concerns about transparency, accountability, and fairness, particularly as science becomes increasingly politicised and privatised. Such pressures risk undermining freedom of inquiry, distorting agendas, and eroding public confidence in science’s neutrality.

To sustain trust, Science Producers must adopt transparent, reproducible, and ethical practices. Disclosing funding, addressing conflicts of interest, embedding co-creation, and rethinking incentive structures are essential. By actively engaging with communities, fostering inclusivity, and promoting open science infrastructures, Science Producers can build durable and reciprocal trust within society and across the broader ecosystem.

For whom is this important?

Academic institutionsAcademic staffResearch institutionsResearchersResearchers in public institutionsResearchers in the private sector

Other information