Trust in Science and Changing Landscapes of Communication

This is the third paper in a series of papers analysing the trust-relations between science and society – central objective of the ALLEA Working Group Truth, Trust and Expertise. It is the outcome of various meetings and discussions with academicians and experts from all over Europe. This paper sketches the main challenges that the changing landscapes of communication pose for trust in science and expertise.

It highlights the importance of trust as an integral condition for science to fulfil its role in society; it discusses the specific characteristics of trust in science as mediated communication; it asks the questions if, how and why trust in science is eroding; and it shows how this is related to transformations of media and communication in an increasingly digital society.