Rebuilding trust in facts today

I was surprised by that: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, trust in science has steadily declined. The fraction of US adults that have little to no confidence in scientists to act in the public’s interests has roughly doubled, from 12% in April 20 to 27% in October 2023. These findings of the Pew Research Center have recently been confirmed in Germany, where much of Bayer’s research activity originates. The Science Barometer 2023 by the German "Science in Dialogue" initiative shows that the fraction of Germans who somewhat or completely distrust science has likewise roughly doubled from 6% in April 2020 to 13% in August 2023. Despite the stark difference in absolute levels, the dynamics are remarkably similar. I firmly believe that sound scientific knowledge is crucial for tackling future global challenges. We must therefore monitor and counteract these developments.  For science to be trusted, it must improve people's lives. Public investment in research is more important than ever. Equally important is prudent regulation that does not hinder companies’ R&D departments from delivering persuasive products, e.g., by cutting unnecessary red tape. According to the German Science Barometer, the main reason behind the distrust however is related to the financing of research. And indeed, the history of industry efforts to manipulate scientific findings is well documented. Bayer is committed to continuously addressing this issue. That is why we are expanding the Bayer Science Collaboration Explorer to the U.S., after last year’s launch in Germany. The database invites everyone to discover our research collaborations with public research institutions and individuals. Both studies also emphasize the fundamental role of education. Improving the quality of our educational institutions is essential to ensure trust in science in the long term. With our educational portfolio, we want to contribute to this safeguard. Bayer's school laboratory program Baylab is a good example of this. The 5th of May 2023 marked the end of the three years and ninety-six days in which the COVID-19 pandemic was formally declared as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ by the WHO. But the damage to trust has stayed. It is now time to rebuild trust through clear communication – and to admit mistakes that were made when reliable knowledge was still scarce. I would like to invite everyone to think about ways in which we can get back to a basis of mutually accepted facts. Let's make use of the naturally persuasive power of the scientific method. Explore more findings from the Pew Research Center’s survey (https://lnkd.in/ebCtuXqD) and the German Science Barometer 2023 (https://lnkd.in/e-nYtawr; currently in German only).

12 Ways to Build Trust When Nobody Believes You Trust isn't won by being perfect. It's won by being real. Here's how smart leaders build it: 1. Never pretend to know everything. Say "we don't know yet" instead of faking certainty. Smart leaders admit gaps in knowledge and share updates as they learn. "We're still learning" builds more trust than "the science is settled." 2. Show your work, not just conclusions. Don't just announce decisions. Share the debate, data, and trade-offs that led there. "Transparency isn't weakness — it's leadership." 3. Drop the corporate robot speak. Nobody trusts a press release. Speak like a human who cares. Say "we messed up" not "inconsistencies were identified." "If lawyers love your message, the public won't." 4. Embrace emotion, don't dismiss it. Validated feelings build bridges. Start with "We hear you" before jumping to facts. "Empathy isn't soft — it's strategic." 5. Own changes before rumors do. Don't hide policy shifts. Explain them fast and loud. Context kills conspiracy theories. "People don't hate changes. They hate being confused." 6. Make risks relatable. "0.000043% chance" means nothing. "100x safer than aspirin" clicks instantly. "Data without context is just noise." 7. Face the public heat. Town halls forge credibility. Let people vent. Answer honestly. "Trust is earned in sunlight, not shadow." 8. Open your books. Share sources, math, and methods. Let people fact-check you. Transparency beats PR every time. "If you're not willing to be audited, you can't be trusted." 9. Admit failures first. Beat the watchdogs to it. Own mistakes before they own you. "People forgive errors. They punish coverups." 10. Bring critics inside. Include opposing views early. Prevention beats damage control. "Diversity isn't politics — it's protection against blindness." 11. Explain the 'no' pile. Show what you rejected and why. Make people part of the process. "Explaining 'why not' matters as much as 'why.'" 12. Teach bullshit detection. Don't just fact-check. Show how to spot lies. Give people your tools. "The best defense against lies is teaching truth." Smart leaders know: Trust is earned through radical honesty. Even when it hurts. Which of these would rebuild your trust? Share your thoughts 👇 ♻️ Repost if this resonated with you!

I wrote a column in Nature Magazine with Jonas De Keersmaecker about the need for scientists to secure public trust in an age of polarization. A crucial challenge that demands urgent attention is the effect on public health of rising political polarization in many countries. Trust in scientists has declined in parts of the political spectrum since the pandemic and underlies many attacks on science in the United States. We discussed some strategies that could help to counter polarization and restore trust in medical research, such as: 1) highlighting when most people follow public-health guidelines and focusing less on violations; 2) communicating science through sources perceived as non-partisan; and 3) encouraging trusted figures in partisan communities to reinforce public-health messages. More research is urgently needed to identify other ways to effectively rebuild trust in science across the political spectrum. You are read our column here: https://lnkd.in/e8UrvHBU Please let us know if there are other strategies we are missing.

Brilliant essay To rebuild trust, science must bare its soul "Scientists are political, non-neutral, they have values, their work is driven by them. The response to ideological bullies and the belittling of scientific findings is not to plead purity and disengagement but just the opposite: engagement, advocacy, a clear sense of accuracy and validation of results, a love for methods that over time demonstrably produce reliable results, a sincere humility in the face of fallibility—these virtues generate trust. Scientists who are seen as humans, who are relatable, who are engaged members of their community, who can advance the values of science, who care deeply about their work and its meaning for others will be both heard and trusted. To rebuild trust, science must bare its soul." https://lnkd.in/eHiMEnxc

In this time of alternative truth, social truths and outright denial of science, I saw a hopeful (scientific) article in Nature Magazine ( 👉 https://lnkd.in/eskKJxtD) researching the public trust in science in 68 countries. Why is this important? For instance, societies with high public trust in science and scientists dealt more effectively with the COVID-19 pandemic, as citizens were more likely to comply with non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 interventions and had higher vaccine confidence. People with high trust in scientists are also more likely to engage in individual and collective action on climate change. Some of the findings of the study: 🟡 Trust in scientists remains moderately high worldwide, countering the claim of a "crisis in trust." (also, if you look into the results (👇) you see for instance the US scoring relatively high in terms of trust in science). 🟡 Populist movements, led by figures like Trump and others, have fueled anti-science rhetoric, undermining public confidence in climate change, vaccines, and other critical issues. 🟡 Right-leaning and conservative groups show lower trust in scientists (see map 👇) , especially in countries where populist leaders have actively dismissed scientific expertise. The fight for public trust in science is part of the broader battle against disinformation and populist narratives. Trust isn't just about believing in facts—it's about ensuring science is seen as a tool for everyone, not just the elite. 🚨 The way forward: 🟢 Boost transparency and openness in science to address perceptions of elitism. 🟢Align scientific efforts with public priorities like health, energy, and poverty reduction to regain trust. 🟢 Foster inclusive dialogue that bridges ideological divides and counters disinformation. https://lnkd.in/eskKJxtD