Initiative 5.2. Trust in Science

What is it about?

In times of supposedly growing social polarisation and increasing skepticism toward scientific findings, the issue of trust in science is becoming increasingly urgent. This initiative addresses the question of how science communication and public participation can be designed to promote trust, enable dialogue, and strengthen social participation.

Goals & Key Activities

• Develop joint approaches to public engagement and science communication, taking into account research on indicators for assessing effectiveness and impact;
• Further develop sustainable and inclusive citizen participation and engagement in research and innovation.

Who is involved?

• Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research (BMFWF)
• Universities and research institutions
• Austrian Science Communication Center
• VISTA Science Experience Center
• OeAD – Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
• Citizen Science Network Austria

Expected impact

Citizen participation not only increases understanding of science and its methods, but also trust in them. This can also lead to a better understanding of the science for policy field, thereby strengthening trust in science and democracy.