Promoting Effective Science-Policy-Society Nexus and Values in Science

Discusses the importance of promoting trust in science amidst the growing challenges of information disorder, which includes misinformation, disinformation, and misunderstanding of scientific concepts. Tiago Braga, director of the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (Ibict), highlights the impact of misinformation on science and the need for a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to address these issues. He emphasizes the role of science in societal development and the danger of relying on isolated "small worlds," particularly in the context of online communities, which can amplify disinformation. Braga shares a personal experience from the COVID-19 pandemic, where a claim about a chlorine dioxide treatment was based on outdated, unverified scientific papers, leading to a proposal for a law that could have dangerous consequences. He advocates for a proactive approach, focusing on Open Science and Citizen Science to engage society and foster trust in scientific research. These tools can help build more transparent, accessible scientific knowledge and address the misinformation crisis. Finally, Braga outlines initiatives from Ibict, including platforms for open access and citizen science, aiming to improve trust in science through better information infrastructure and international collaborations.