In Science we Trust – Do we?

How to fight misinformation and maintain credibility in science communication

Climate change, a global pandemic and energy shortage! It‘s quite obvious: The world needs science more than ever to overcome society’s biggest challenges. However, misinformation strongly threatens people’s trust in science, limiting the opportunities that scientific knowledge offers to move us forward.

According to 3M’s State of Science Index 2022*, about three quarters of German respondents fear negative consequences when science is not appreciated enough. And imagine that: More than half of the respondents see risks for more public health crises or an increase in the severity of climate change effects if people do not trust stories about science published in the news – so the topic is a pressing one!

How can scientists ensure their messages are heard and understood correctly? How can the media attract and enable their audience to dive into scientific facts? How can policymakers create the necessary framework for credible science communication?

You’re invited to join our panel discussion in which we take a deep dive into those questions and want to connect the perspectives of various disciplines.

Let’s exchange views about how society can secure trustworthy science communication and thus benefit from the solutions that science can offer to solve the world’s most challenging issues.

* The State of Science Index is an annual, global study conducted on behalf of 3M. For this, the population in 17 countries is surveyed. In its fifth year of existence, the survey tracks the public image of science and reveals long-term trends in how much people trust, respect and value science and what role it plays in their lives.