Policy Brief on excellent science communication for urgent societal challenges

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What is this about?

This is a policy brief produced under COALESCE a European science-communication initiative. The brief draws on a state-of-the-art review, interviews and workshops involving actors from the “quadruple helix” (science, policy, industry, civil society) to explore how science communication can respond to urgent societal challenges. It outlines existing communication practices from traditional one-way dissemination and fact-checking to two-way and multi-way, participatory models and evaluates their effectiveness in a “post-truth” environment marked by misinformation and distrust. The document reviews existing tools and resources (e.g. media-literacy toolkits, fact-checking guidelines, crisis-communication frameworks) and proposes strategies for building a more robust, trust-oriented science communication ecosystem. Its goal is to inform a future European Competence Centre for Science Communication that supports scientists, communicators, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Why is this important?

This policy brief is vital because it tackles the growing challenge of misinformation and declining public trust in science. By mapping and recommending effective communication strategies beyond simple fact-checking it helps build trust, transparency and societal engagement. It provides a practical blueprint for bridging science and society in times of urgent challenges (e.g. climate change, public health). Its recommendations can help institutions, communicators, and policymakers improve how scientific knowledge is conveyed, understood, and acted upon contributing to better-informed public debates and decisions.

For whom is this important?

ResearchersScience communicators, journalists, and media professionalsEducators and communicators in academia and industryPolicymakers and public authoritiesCivil society organisations and NGOs

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