The VERITY project addresses a critical challenge in contemporary society: the perception of widespread public mistrust in science, despite evidence suggesting that most people trust, in fact, scientific processes.
The VERITY’s core objective is to strengthen societal trust in science by reshaping what it defines as the Ecosystem of Trust in Science — the conceptual space within which societal trust in of trust science is constructed, negotiated, enhanced or reduced, as well as science-society co-creation and open science are sought. Within this ecosystem, VERITY introduces the concept of Stewards of Trust (SOTs): institutions, groups, and individuals, ranging from universities, policymakers, and research funders to journalists and influencers, who play critical roles in guiding societal trust in science and facilitating science-society co-creation. To support these Stewards, VERITY has developed and validated a Protocol of Recommendations, a set of evidence-based and actionable guidelines for Stewards of Trust to enhance public confidence in science and promote science-society co-creation.
The adoption of the VERITY Protocol of Recommendations transforms how R&I institutions design, communicate, and evaluate science. This helps align research agendas more closely with citizens’ needs and values and ensures greater legitimacy and uptake of scientific knowledge in policy and practice. The project’s impacts extend beyond individual organisations to influence EU-wide governance, supporting the implementation of the ERA and SDGs. In scale, VERITY aims to reshape the ecosystem of trust in science across Europe; in significance, it provides the conceptual and practical framework needed to rebuild confidence in science as a cornerstone of democratic, ethical, and evidence-informed policymaking.
VERITY sets the stage for an ecosystem of trust in science in which science and society work collaboratively to address global challenges. In a world where mis/disinformation and scepticism can erode public confidence, VERITY’s interdisciplinary, inclusive, and evidence-based approach seeks to rebuild trust, empower stakeholders, and create a more resilient Ecosystem of Trust.
