How to help skeptics trust the science

It’s time to take a close look at how we approach science communication and education.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard that we should, “stick to the science” and “let science lead the way.”

I’m a firm believer in this approach.

But if scientific facts are going to drive policies that have a daily, far-reaching impact on our lives — and we’re expected to understand and accept those policies — we need a solid foundation of scientific understanding. Whether the issue is climate change, the COVID-19 virus or vaccines, we’re nowhere without an understanding of the problems and their solutions.

Sudip Parikh, chief executive officer of the American Association of the Advancement of Science, frames the challenge well.

“Simply put, a scientific endeavor that is not trusted by the public cannot adequately contribute to society and will be diminished as a result,” he says, and adds, “Trust must be earned.”

One of Dr. Parikh’s prescriptions for earning that trust is for scientists to “break out ” of a complex way of sharing their discoveries, contributions and recommendations. For sure, sharing technical details is the right approach with colleagues.

But the “only way to build trust is to show members of the public that we are of them and for them, not separate from them,” Dr. Parikh explains.

It’s vital to remember that, beyond more technically minded circles, it’s helpful when experts keep an eye on their audience and keep communication free of jargon. The COVID-19 pandemic, especially, provided a turning point in the power and importance of making information accessible, especially with so much new information to share.

It’s been effective to turn to new ways of communicating these ideas — from infographics and multilingual messaging to online videos—to urge people to wash hands, wear masks or get vaccinated. It’s an acknowledgment that public health and safety can depend on how we package and deliver ideas.

When we adopt new ways to reach the communities we serve, we help build trust, especially when we’re consistent, accessible and accurate. It also can help us fulfill our responsibility to counteract misinformation and confusion, which has, unfortunately, abounded . ?

The right information, the right way

Fostering trust in science and medicine isn't just about sharing information, but about building relationships.?

At Northwell Health, we’ve focused on becoming partners with community leaders to ensure we convey information the right way through the most effective channels. Our outreach has brought COVID-19 testing and vaccines directly to communities that need them most.

Much of our success is thanks to the long-term relationships we’ve established with people like Rev. Scott Williams, who helped create a vaccinate site within his church, Memorial Presbyterian in Roosevelt. Our own Deb Salas-Lopez, MD, played a pivotal role in encouraging people in underserved communities to get vaccinated. Thousands received their vaccines through New York State’s Long Island Regional Health Equity Task Force,?a consortium of nearly 100 community and faith-based leaders, public agencies, schools and other community representatives.?

Investing in the next generation of leaders

We also can strengthen trust in scientific and medical experts by embracing STEM (and STEAM ) education. From computer science and robotics to environmental studies and health and wellness, STEM education gives students a chance to ask questions and think critically about their world.

It allows them to make connections, to identify and solve problems using science, math, engineering, art and technology. STEM and STEAM programs offer insight into how scientists think and work. It’s important because the pandemic has put the scientific method front and center for children—especially as they hear how innovations, like vaccines, have the potential to make a dent in one of the world’s biggest public health challenges.

As educational programs inform kids, it strengthens trust and respect for science. That’s why we offer internships , online learning opportunities and pipeline programs for kids in underserved and underrepresented areas. It makes science accessible and offers compelling opportunities for intellectual understanding, experiential growth and professional networking.

It’s easier to “stick to the science” when we communicate clearly, build lasting community bonds and provide education that fosters critical thinking. And, along the way, it encourages creativity, curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking and decision making to flourish, nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.

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