Trust in science for policy Nexus

The "Trust in Science for Policy Nexus" workshop, held in Ispra, Italy, on September 12-13, 2024, convened by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, the International Science Council, and co-sponsored by the US National Science Foundation, explored the intricate dynamics of trust in science as it relates to policymaking. This workshop addressed the challenges and strategies for fostering trust among scientists, policymakers, and the public, particularly in the context of disinformation and the current political situation. One of the most fundamental questions was how far issues of trust in science for policy can be separated from issues of trust in democratic institutions in general. Discussions highlighted the need to integrate scientific evidence in a credible way into policymaking to bolster public trust in specific policies and the democratic system more generally. Furthermore, there is a need for clear governance frameworks to manage expectations and ensure scientific integrity, to support scientists as "honest brokers" and to tackle criticism regarding the limitations of science. The workshop highlighted that, while scientific evidence can strengthen policymaking and trust in political decisions and institutions, science is subject to human fallibility and scientific controversies, calling for a nuanced understanding of trust that recognises the benefits and limits of science in policymaking. The workshop also identified the need for further research into the complex relationships between scientific institutions, policymakers, and the public, emphasizing the importance of transparent, responsible, and inclusive scientific practices to enhance trust in democratic governance.