Deliverable 4.1 of the VERITY project develops a comprehensive framework for understanding and cultivating trust in science within a rapidly evolving research environment. Synthesising insights from work packages 1 to 3, the report conceptualises trust in science as a relational and dynamic phenomenon, shaped by interactions between diverse publics (trusters) and scientific actors (trustees). This relationship is being redefined as trust increasingly becomes distributed and co-governed by emerging Stewards of Trust—stakeholders such as scientists, research institutions, educators, policymakers, funders, opinion leaders, and citizen science communities—whose formal mandates or de facto influence assign them responsibility in sustaining trust.
The analysis, based on thematic coding of prior deliverables, shows that public trust hinges not only on the integrity and quality of scientific research but also on factors such as transparent practices, effective communication, and equitable distribution of benefits. Trust, therefore, extends beyond research outputs to encompass how science is conducted, communicated, and experienced by society. In mapping whom the public trusts, the report highlights the pivotal role of multiple actors in fostering open science, ensuring ethical research, and engaging inclusively with diverse audiences.
Findings suggest that cultivating trust requires multi-faceted strategies, including transparent communication, active citizen engagement, and innovative methods such as gamification and e-learning, which enhance accessibility and relevance. The report validates the project’s “five machines of trust”—research integrity, research ethics, co-creation, technology assessment, and benefit sharing—as core institutional mechanisms underpinning trust. Complementary drivers include science communication and education, while sources of mistrust are linked to perceived biases, lack of openness, and insufficient public participation.
Ultimately, Deliverable 4.1 argues for a holistic approach to trust-building, emphasising both the individual responsibility of scientific actors and the collective responsibility of the broader scientific community. By framing trust as a collaborative and ecosystemic process, the report lays the foundation for the forthcoming VERITY Protocol (Deliverable 4.2), which will provide actionable recommendations to strengthen trust through improved communication, engagement, and inclusivity across scientific and societal stakeholders.
Publish information
| Authors: | Agata Gurzawska; Evren Yalaz; Mariano Martín Zamorano; Authors; |
| Year of publication: | 2024 |
| License: | cc-by-4.0 |
| DOI: | 10.5281/zenodo.15276212 |
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