• Share on

    • Send an Email
    • Share on Twitter
    • Share on Facebook
    • Share on Linkedin

Conference on Strengthening Public Trust in Science

Analysing the Challenges and Identifying Solutions

11 Dec. 2025
THE PROGRAMME

Get there

View on map
Bibliothèque National de France
Quai François Mauriac 75706 - Paris France

The pursuit of scientific knowledge plays an essential role in tackling current societal challenges, such as health crises and climate change, and in driving societal progress. Trust in the scientific process and research outcomes is therefore crucial for the development of evidence-based policies and informed, democratic decision making.

About the conference

Science Europe and the French National Research Agency (ANR) organised this conference to discuss how research organisations, including those who fund and/or perform research, can respond to growing concerns about and reinforce confidence in the research process and its outcomes.

The conference took place on 11 December 2025 at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris.

The event brought together policy makers, representatives of research funding and performing organisations, scientists, and communication experts to:

  • Identify the factors that undermine public confidence in science, scientists, and research institutions.
  • Examine the dynamics between science, society, and the media in the dissemination of knowledge, scientific debates, and public engagement.
  • Examine how to strengthen trust through public engagement.
  • Develop concrete recommendations for research funding and research performing organisations and the media to enhance public understanding of the scientific method and raise policy makers’ awareness of the importance of strengthening trust in science.

Recommendations for Strengthening Trust in Science

1. Reinforce integrity and transparency across the research ecosystem

Uphold rigorous standards for ethics, openness, and accountability in research and funding practices.

2. Promote scientific literacy and understanding of the research process

Improve public understanding of how science works, including methods, uncertainty, and evidence.

3. Embed trust-building into research policy, governance, and funding frameworks

Make public engagement and communication a core part of research systems and funding criteria.

4. Support and protect researchers in the public sphere

Equip and safeguard researchers to engage confidently and responsibly with the public.

5. Foster collaboration and co-production in a complex information environment

Encourage cooperation across sectors to strengthen credibility and counter misinformation.

6. Ensure clarity of roles and responsible science communication

Promote transparent communication and clearly distinguish roles across science, media, and policy.

7. Safeguard the independence of science in policymaking

Protect academic freedom and ensure transparent use of scientific evidence in decisions.

8. Strengthen democratic participation and citizen engagement

Involve citizens early to enhance legitimacy, dialogue, and trust in research and innovation.

__________________________________________________________________