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Before I wrote this article, I searched “Who does society trust the most”. I also searched for the most trusted scientists and teachers. In both cases, the results show that doctors, scientists, and teachers are the most trusted by society. This is not a recent phenomenon; surveys from as far back as 2019 show the same trend.
From the Ipsos Trustworthiness Index survey to the Pew Research Centre International Science Survey, the findings are consistent.
I also searched “mis and disinformation on the rise”. Your guess is as good as mine. Reports from the OECD, Pew Research Centre, UNDP, and Stanford University, among other leading global institutions, paint a grim picture, and the consequences of misinformation and disinformation are far-reaching in public policymaking.
Speakers at the Future of Science Communication Forum organised by the Alliance for Science Global Consortium echoed these outlooks. As one of the speakers noted, “Misinformation is making it very difficult for good innovation to have an impact on the ground as those who are supposed to use and benefit don’t know what to believe.”
The findings by these global institutions note that today’s digital and interconnected world is aiding the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, a critical threat hampering our ability to improve public health and address issues such as climate change.
The forum was a moment to reflect and a call on all scientists to leverage the trust society has in them to counter mis and disinformation and ensure people and policymakers have the right information that they need to make decisions for society’s wellbeing.
As noted by Dr Sheila Obim, the Alliance for Science Executive Director, countering misinformation and disinformation is not about fighting information with information, it will have to be strategic communication that can have an impact on a wide scale.
Mastering the art of science communication is crucial, and current initiatives by AfS and other actors need to be accelerated, perhaps at the same pace as that of the spread of misinformation.
Scientists are being challenged to improve their communication skills. The biggest hurdle – trust – is already overcome. Society is relying on scientists to get critical life-saving information. Scientists must stretch beyond the comfort of laboratories to challenging information domains, ensuring people and policymakers are equipped with reliable, trustworthy, and verifiable information for decision-making.
Initiatives like TED Talks, specialised training for scientists in science communication, and the establishment of Centres of Excellence in Science Communication by the Alliance for Science are playing a crucial role in bridging the information gap and combating the rise of mis and disinformation.
These platforms equip scientists with the skills to convey complex ideas in accessible ways, engage with the public, and foster trust in scientific findings.
Making science more relatable and transparent ensures that accurate, evidence-based information reaches wider audiences, empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions in an era of increasing misinformation.
Equally important is the collaboration between these Centres of Excellence, scientists, academic institutions, and policymakers in strengthening the reliability of public discourse. By working together, these stakeholders create a network that ensures trustworthy, evidence-based information informs decision-making at all levels.
This collaborative approach helps communities better navigate challenges—whether addressing climate change, public health crises, or technological advancements—by equipping them with the knowledge they need to respond effectively.
When scientific integrity is upheld through clear communication and strategic partnerships, society becomes more resilient and capable of making informed, forward-thinking choices.
By Irina Wandera, the policy manager at EmergingAg
