Trust in science has become a concern among academic organizations and science policymakers alike. It is the subject of surveys – which often diagnose a decline of trust – as well as of policies to engage and communicate to the public. But the concept of trust is rarely probed as to what it actually entails in terms of the place of science in society, functional differentiation of society, reasons for bestowing trust, objects of trust on different levels (micro, meso, macro) of analysis, and venues of perception of science (direct vs. mediated experience, i.e. by journalistic media or digital platforms). By ignoring these analytical aspects the use of the concept of trust in science in surveys and communication strategies remains meaningless.
Remote Webex Session Meeting number: 2733 630 4001