In this plain-talking episode of Data Malarkey – the podcast about using data, smarter – host and Master Data Storyteller, Sam Knowles, speaks with Caitlyn Looby, an expert in science communication about the pressing issue of public trust in science. Through their calm, thoughtful conversation, they explore what is fuelling scepticism and, more importantly, how we might restore confidence in scientific institutions and processes.
The challenge of fractured trust
Caitlin opens by noting that trust in science has dipped in recent years, driven by misinformation, polarised media, and an oversimplified relationship between science and certainty. The public is exposed to conflicting headlines, shifting advice and sensationalist claims, which cumulatively erode confidence. Restoring trust, she says, requires more than facts; it demands empathy, transparency, and humility from both scientists and communicators.
Meeting the people where they are
A recurring theme in this episode is connection. Looby argues that rebuilding trust starts with listening – to concerns, values, and lived experiences – not lecturing and hectoring from an entrenched point of view. Scientists must engage as fellow citizens, not unassailable experts. She emphasises that communication is two‑way: effective science communication builds on shared curiosity, not top‑down instruction. It is this simple yet profound shift that can help bridge the growing divide between the laboratory and everyday life.
Data as an integral part of storytelling
Sam and Caitlyn discuss how data can be woven into compelling narratives that humanise findings without losing rigour. It isn’t about dumbing down statistics – it’s about contextualising them. By showing the process behind the data – the questions asked, the uncertainties acknowledged, and the real people affected – communicators can demystify science and reaffirm its human dimensions. This approach fosters transparency and invites critical thinking rather than passive consumption.
Embracing uncertainty and complexity
Looby highlights that science rarely delivers absolute answers. Real progress often arrives as evolving models, approximate truths, and debates underpinned by emerging data. Acknowledging uncertainty, rather than hiding it, can bolster trust. She points out that when scientists admit “we’re still learning”, audiences are more likely to respect the process and engage thoughtfully. In contrast, overconfidence or refusal to acknowledge unknowns can backfire.
Building community‑centred science
Practical examples show that trust is strongest in contexts where science is embedded in community life, such as local health initiatives, schools, citizen‑science projects. Looby cites instances where co‑designing research with communities, or inviting local stakeholders to collect and interpret data, has fostered both richer insights and deeper trust. These grassroots examples reinforce the message: science isn’t something that happens “over there”; it’s something we do together.
Final takeaways
This episode offers a measured, human‑centred guide to rebuilding trust in science. Caitlyn Looby reminds us that it is not enough just to present better data; we must also foster genuine connection, admit uncertainty, and invite participation.
The path forward lies in humility and openness: letting the public in on the process, respecting their perspectives, and anchoring data within stories that matter. For anyone invested in science or storytelling – or looking to understand how we rebuild collective trust – the episode is a timely and thoughtful resource.
If you’re leading data‑driven work, or communicating findings in your community, this conversation is a helpful reminder that trust isn’t built on numbers alone. Rather, it is built on dialogue, empathy, and shared inquiry.
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The first draft of this blog was written by ChatGPT.