Building Trust in Science: A Two-Way Commitment

Peter Mahaffy

doi:10.1515/ci-2025-0431

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Building Trust in Science: A Two-Way Commitment

Peter Mahaffy
Peter Mahaffy, The King’s University, Edmonton, Canada

Published/Copyright: October 29, 2025

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From the journal Chemistry International Volume 47 Issue 4

Restoring trust in science requires more than correcting misinformation—it demands that scientists understand their audiences and that science itself is demonstrably worthy of trust said Peter Mahaffy in his plenary talk. He argues that effective science communication must move beyond the outdated “deficit model,” which assumes public mistrust stems from a lack of knowledge. Instead, scientists must engage with the public’s values, perspectives, and lived experiences.

David Winkler, Peter Mahaffy, and Elizabeth Hall

Drawing from his work with IUPAC and other international bodies, Mahaffy emphasizes that science communication should be rooted in mutual understanding. A key reference is the IUPAC Project Chemists and “The Public” (2008), [1] which highlights how scientists can better connect with diverse audiences by applying systems thinking and acknowledging context—critical in combating the spread of misinformation.

Equally important is ensuring science remains trustworthy. Mahaffy highlights global initiatives like the International Science Council’s Principle of the Universality of Science, which balances the freedom to conduct research with the responsibility to uphold ethical standards. This principle was refined to reinforce that scientific freedom must go hand-in-hand with accountability.

Ethical practice in chemistry is central to Mahaffy’s message. The Hague Ethical Guidelines, developed by chemists worldwide, underscore the importance of safeguarding science from misuse, particularly in light of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Similarly, the IUPAC CEDEI task force has developed Guiding Principles for the Responsible Practice of Chemistry, that was formally launched at the 2025 World Chemistry Congress in Malaysia. These principles aim to foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and public engagement.

Mahaffy’s vision for building trust in science is clear: scientists must listen as much as they speak, commit to ethical conduct, and embrace responsibility as part of their professional identity. Only then can science maintain the public’s confidence and fulfill its role in advancing the common good.

About the author

Peter Mahaffy

Peter Mahaffy, The King’s University, Edmonton, Canada

1. (Mahaffy 2008, Pure Appl. Chem., Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 161–174, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200880010161, or https://iupac.org/project/2004-047-1-050/ )10.1351/pac200880010161Search in Google Scholar

Published Online: 2025-10-29

Published in Print: 2025-10-01

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