The goal of this project is to support scientists and science organizations in cultivating trusting relationships with society, grounded in intellectual humility, empathy, and curiosity. This work addresses a key contributor to public distrust in scientists: scientists’ limited training in relational, and interpersonal communication skills. Research across disciplines shows that qualities such as perceived openness, benevolence, and humility shape public trust in scientists. Yet, few scientists receive training in these competencies, and most science communication efforts still reflect a "deficit model" focused on delivering facts rather than fostering dialogue.
The Science Trust Project (STP) responds to this gap by training scientists in relational communication skills and shifting from a "correction to connection" approach when engaging with the public. The project is rooted in evidence that relational approaches can improve interpersonal trust and reduce perceived social distance between scientists and the publics they serve.
This proposal scales the STP approach to other science groups and organizations. We will use a three-pronged approach to expand the network of scientists engaged in building trusting relationships with various publics. This includes:
-Building a train-the-trainer program;
-Designing workshops for science organizations; and
-Strengthening the STP community infrastructure.
Deliverables include up to 45 scientists trained as STP ambassadors and 6 science organizations trained in reflective listening and intellectual humility. Training manuals and workshop materials adapted for a variety of contexts will be shared on an online resource repository. Robust evaluation will result in new knowledge about how to best support scientists and science organizations in cultivating humble, empathetic, and trustworthy relationships with the public. These findings will be shared in reports, conferences, and various publication venues.
