Societal Trust in Science, Research and Innovation (RPOs)- Policy brief

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What is this about?

This policy brief addresses how research performing organisations (RPOs) can strengthen public trust in science through integrity, transparency, and societal engagement. The document highlights that credibility in research is not just about results, but also about the processes: how research is designed, executed, communicated, and integrated with societal values. Key challenges identified include inadequate stakeholder and citizen involvement, weak alignment of research agendas with public needs, limited transparency in research governance, and low visibility of negative or null results factors that can erode trust.

The brief offers targeted recommendations for RPOs such as embedding research integrity into institutional policies, enhancing openness in data and methodology, actively involving societal stakeholders in research cycles, investing in monitoring and evaluation of trust-related outcomes, and linking incentives and recognition systems to trustworthy research practices.

Why is this important?

This policy brief is particularly important for research-performing organisations (universities, research institutes, labs) that want to build or maintain societal legitimacy and trust. It also matters for institutional leadership (deans, directors, heads of R&I) who set strategy and governance frameworks; for research integrity and quality assurance officers who operationalise ethics, transparency and stakeholder involvement; and for funders or programme managers who rely on RPOs to achieve societal impact and maintain public support for investment in science. By adopting its recommendations, these actors can build stronger research cultures, improve stakeholder relations, and enhance both the relevance and accessibility of research in ways that foster greater trust

For whom is this important?

ResearchersResearch Institutions and UniversitiesResearch Performing Organisations (RPOs)Research Integrity and Ethics OfficersPolicy Makers and Funding Agencies

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