Conclusion

TY - CHAP

T1 - Conclusion

AU - Fage-Butler, Antoinette

AU - Nielsen, Kristian Hvidtfelt

AU - Ledderer, Loni Kraus

PY - 2025/1/1

Y1 - 2025/1/1

N2 - Amid ongoing global challenges such as health pandemics, climate change and environmental degradation, a nuanced discussion of the relational and contextual dynamics of trust has arguably never been more critical. Global challenges exemplify the urgency and complexity of issues where, despite scientific consensus, policy responses may be considered contentious, underscoring the roles of communicators, the public and media in shaping perceptions and actions. In such circumstances, there is an acute need to understand trust in science communication, as trust is a prerequisite for effective dialogue. Throughout this volume, trust emerges not merely as foundational to successful science communication but as a complex, dynamic construct shaped by diverse influences including the communicator’s ethos, transparency of communication processes, and public engagement. The discussion moves beyond simple dichotomies of trust and mistrust, presenting a spectrum that includes ambivalence and critical engagement. It encourages a rethinking of trust as something that must be continually earned and sustained through credible, ethical and responsive communication practices. In this volume, chapters explore topics, settings and forms of science communication where public trust is at play. The volume highlights the transformative potential of science communication in shaping public perception and trust. It underlines the importance of adapting communication strategies to diverse audiences and contexts, particularly during crises. Participatory approaches and third-order thinking in science communication are discussed as ways of enhancing trust by fostering inclusivity and dialogue.

AB - Amid ongoing global challenges such as health pandemics, climate change and environmental degradation, a nuanced discussion of the relational and contextual dynamics of trust has arguably never been more critical. Global challenges exemplify the urgency and complexity of issues where, despite scientific consensus, policy responses may be considered contentious, underscoring the roles of communicators, the public and media in shaping perceptions and actions. In such circumstances, there is an acute need to understand trust in science communication, as trust is a prerequisite for effective dialogue. Throughout this volume, trust emerges not merely as foundational to successful science communication but as a complex, dynamic construct shaped by diverse influences including the communicator’s ethos, transparency of communication processes, and public engagement. The discussion moves beyond simple dichotomies of trust and mistrust, presenting a spectrum that includes ambivalence and critical engagement. It encourages a rethinking of trust as something that must be continually earned and sustained through credible, ethical and responsive communication practices. In this volume, chapters explore topics, settings and forms of science communication where public trust is at play. The volume highlights the transformative potential of science communication in shaping public perception and trust. It underlines the importance of adapting communication strategies to diverse audiences and contexts, particularly during crises. Participatory approaches and third-order thinking in science communication are discussed as ways of enhancing trust by fostering inclusivity and dialogue.

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105005053056&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/978-981-96-1289-5_24

DO - 10.1007/978-981-96-1289-5_24

M3 - Book chapter

SN - 9789819612888

SP - 493

EP - 509

BT - Science communication and trust

PB - Palgrave Macmillan

ER -