D5.3 Policy brief 2: Trust is an Ecosystem

Effective policymaking relies on a strong science-society relationship. Public trust in science is crucial for promoting scientific progress, strengthening democratic institutions, and enabling informed decision-making. While overall trust in science remains high across the EU and globally, challenges persist in translating this trust into public acceptance of policies grounded in scientific knowledge. The VERITY Recommendations for Fostering Trust in Science offer actionable strategies to support policymakers, as core Stewards of Trust, in bridging science, society, and governance through a robust ecosystem of trust in science. This policy brief presents key policy strategies and actions to foster trust in science and urges policymakers to engage with the VERITY Protocol of Recommendations. By prioritising cross-sector collaboration, transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-informed decision-making, policymakers can help bridge the gap between science and society. VERITY encourages policymakers to incorporate the project’s actionable strategies into their policy and regulatory frameworks and support cross-sectoral collaborations to strengthen trust in science!