Science must reinforce its social contract

Public support for science cannot be taken for granted

In a new article for Nature, Sir Peter Gluckman argues that scientists must communicate their value more clearly, acknowledge uncertainty and ensure research remains connected to society’s needs.

“Public support for science rests on a social contract: in return for support, science demonstrates its value to society,” writes Sir Peter.

That contract is under pressure, though. Governments are becoming more prescriptive about research priorities, while political polarisation, disinformation and declining trust are making it harder for science to maintain public support.

Sir Peter argues that researchers must engage more effectively with policymakers, business and civil society, and explain how science contributes to social, environmental, economic and security interests.

Trust also depends on acknowledging uncertainty. Scientists should be clear about what they do not know, avoid overstating findings and recognise that people also draw on other systems of thought, including religion and Indigenous knowledge.

Artificial intelligence is creating further risks through low-quality papers, fraudulent content and weak peer review. Stronger safeguards and more meaningful ways of assessing research are needed. Read the article in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02444-1