VERITY Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science: Science Policymakers

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What is this about?

This resource provides recommendations for Science Policymakers—legislators, regulatory agencies, science advisory bodies, think tanks, and international organisations—on how to foster societal trust in science. It highlights challenges such as politicisation, short-term agendas, opaque decision-making, and weak citizen engagement. The guidance emphasises transparency, integrity, and inclusive dialogue, alongside stronger investment in science-policy interfaces and open science practices. By aligning research with societal needs and ensuring meaningful participation, policymakers can build legitimacy and strengthen trust in science-informed governance.

Why is this important?

Policymakers occupy a critical position in shaping science, research, and innovation agendas, yet public trust in science-informed governance remains fragile. Scientific advice is often politicised, selectively used, or dismissed, particularly in contentious domains like climate, vaccination, or energy policy. Short electoral cycles, limited institutional capacity, and weak cross-ministerial coordination further undermine the integration of robust evidence into long-term strategies. Citizens may support science-based policies in principle but resist them in practice when they are excluded from decision-making or when transparency is lacking.

These recommendations are important because they address the systemic and cultural barriers that weaken trust at the science-policy interface. By embedding transparency, openness, and integrity into policy frameworks, policymakers can protect the autonomy of research institutions and align agendas with societal priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. Inclusive engagement—moving beyond tokenism toward co-creation with citizens, researchers, and civil society—ensures legitimacy and strengthens democratic accountability.

Investing in science-policy interfaces, fostering interdisciplinary capacity, and supporting communication about evidence, uncertainty, and ethical trade-offs are vital. Policymakers who adopt these approaches not only improve the quality of governance but also foster a culture of trust where science is seen as credible, participatory, and central to societal progress.

For whom is this important?

GovernmentLegislatorsRegulatory AgenciesInternational OrganisationsThink TanksScience Advisory BodiesAll stakeholders engaged in science policy

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