D4.2 VERITY Protocol - Recommendations for Strengthening Societal Trust in Science

The VERITY Protocol provides a comprehensive framework of evidence-informed recommendations designed to enhance societal trust in science, research, and innovation. It serves as a practical guide for Stewards of Trust (SOTs)—organisations, groups, or individuals committed to fostering trust in science—by offering actionable strategies to cultivate trust in science. Developed through extensive research, including literature reviews, social network analysis, qualitative fieldwork, and co-creation workshops, the Protocol identifies six key categories of recommendations: Building Trustworthy Science, Engaging the Public in Scientific Processes, Educating and Raising Awareness, Science Communication, Building Supportive Policy Frameworks, and Collaboration. These high-level recommendations are further elaborated with specific recommendation categories, detailed actions, primary SOT categories responsible for implementing them, and their respective levels of implementation. The Protocol also addresses challenges such as resource constraints, systemic barriers, and disinformation, proposing solutions like capacity-building, policy reforms, and inclusive engagement strategies. By operationalising trust-building mechanisms, the VERITY Protocol provides SOTs with a structured approach to fostering public trust in science and evolving societal expectations, reinforcing Horizon Europe’s objectives of promoting societal engagement, fostering ethical governance, and enhancing the accessibility of scientific advancements. The VERITY Protocol will be validated through the participation of a broad range of stakeholders in various activities, including Scenario Building Workshops, Citizen Media Lab, and the Validation Survey to ensure its practical utility and the reliability of its proposals. The final protocol will be released by August 2025.