Disinformation is a serious threat for democracies around the world today.
The circulation of false, incorrect or misleading information distorts reality, erodes trust in institutions and fuels societal division and polarised debate. The effects are felt across societies every day.
How can researchers respond?
Through science communication, the public learns about the key role that researchers, scientists and innovators play in society and the values that define their work such as academic freedom, objectivity, and integrity.
Effective science communication transforms complex research findings into clear and relevant messages that:
- Inform policymakers
- Support journalist
- Enrich education
- Strengthen critical thinking
- Help the public make informed decisions.
By communicating about their projects, scientists, researchers and innovators also increase the visibility of their work and its impact on society. This can also help them create new connections and attract potential funding opportunities.
How does the EU support science communication?
Many people find it difficult to consult scientific sources, and almost half of Europeans say that scientists should dedicate more time to explain their work.
The European Commission is supporting science communication initiatives in its efforts to build a stronger European Research Area, as described in the ERA Policy Agenda.
Discover below how some EU-funded projects are improving the way science is communicated across Europe.
Offering training to science communicators
Anyone can learn how to communicate science in an effective and impactful way. The COALESCE project has set up a European Competence Centre for Science Communication to offer training courses, open-access tools and guidance on how to connect research, science and innovation with society.
The project also produced a guide for journalists not specialised in science and technology to communicate clear and accurate messages in emergencies such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and pandemics.
Involving citizens to build trust
The VERITY, POIESIS and IANUS projects developed recommendations to increase trust in science, research and innovation in different contexts.
In their final recommendations, the projects emphasise that science communication should:
- Establish dialogue
- Be tailored to audiences
- Experiment with new formats and channels such as social media
- Be transparent about scientific uncertainty and disagreement, helping the public to understand science as a long-term process
- Be made more attractive for researchers through incentives in the academic system, training and mandatory communication plans in funding applications
Find out more in VERITY's 100 recommendations for fostering trust in science, POIESIS' 9 recommendations on trust in science and the IANUS policy briefs.
Bringing science to town squares
The EU also creates opportunities for researchers and citizens to meet, learn and exchange.
‘Science comes to town’ is the European Commission’s flagship initiative for bringing science into everyday lives. Taking place in different cities across Europe each year, the project offers an engaging programme of festivals, citizen science experiments, interactive exhibitions and cultural performances.
The European Researchers' Night opens the doors of major universities and research institutes across Europe to the public. Every September, more than 1 million visitors join for live games, hands-on experiments and discussions with local researchers. Check out the 2026 and 2027 editions, happening in 40 different countries.
Supporting new research projects
In the coming months, the EU plans to support additional research projects striving to improve further science communication, citizen science for democratic engagement and scientific literacy among young people in Europe. Keep an eye on the Horizon Europe’s ‘Reforming and Enhancing the R&I system’ funding opportunities.
More information
Science communication: Empowering citizens in the public discussion of science
European Parliament Disinformation Guide
- Publication date
- 11 September 2026
- Author
- European Research Executive Agency
