Sense about Science

09/09/2026

Why do some people trust scientists more than others?
How can scientists earn and keep that trust?
Sense about Science, together with The Policy Institute at King's College London and the Wellcome Trust, commissioned a major UK survey to establish the state of trust in science - and to learn what researchers can do to build and retain it.

The results show that while trust in scientists in the UK is strong overall – with 63% indicating they have high trust in scientists in general – this trust is closely shaped by people’s values, identity and politics, showing some of the same patterns of division over science that have emerged in the US.

Building on this survey along with literature reviews, workshops and roundtables with research leaders, stakeholder interviews and case reviews of public-engagement experiences, we're now working on guidance for research leaders and a suite of tools and workbooks to help them navigate the public-engagement arena.

Learn more about the project in full 👇
https://senseaboutscience.org/trust-in-science/

31/07/2026

✨️ Internship applications are open! ✨️

If you are an early‑career researcher or communicator looking to gain hands‑on experience at the intersection of research, policy, communication, and public engagement, we are currently accepting internship applications for all of 2027.

💡 Read about Holly's experience as our most recent intern, along with details of how you could do the same 👇️
https://senseaboutscience.org/activities/looking-beyond-the-lab-blog-post/

30/07/2026

Public-good curators like Wendy Sadler of Cardiff University encourage scientists to communicate their findings so that everyone can understand it.

Our guide with Sage Publications highlights the importance of their work.

Download it here 👇️
https://senseaboutscience.org/championing-good-information-curation/

27/07/2026

🚨 Only 1 week to go! 🚨

Make sure to submit your nominations soon for the 2026 John Maddox Prize, as the entry portal closes at midnight on Sunday 2 August.

The 2026 John Maddox Prize is supported by The Royal Society.

Finalise your entry now! 👇️
https://johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com/

20/07/2026

Do you know of a researcher under fire? Somebody who deserves recognition for the work they're fighting to carry out?

There are only two weeks left to nominate them for the John Maddox Prize!

Highlighting research which champions evidence when the powerful - and sometimes even the public - didn't want to listen, the John Maddox Prize for standing up for science strongly encourages global nominations.

A Sense about Science initiative since 2012, the Prize this year is supported by The Royal Society.

📸 Professor Dr Bambang Hero Saharjo, winner of the 2019 John Maddox Prize for his work tracing the source of illegal, destructive forest and land fires in Indonesia, which are often started by companies who want to clear land cheaply and quickly.
Enter or nominate now! 👇️
https://johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com/

16/07/2026

It was so lovely to have you with us, thank you for making the journey and joining us for the Reverse Select Committee Hearing at the UK House of Commons!

16/07/2026

Can sources do more than just being transparent? Stephen Wyber says public-good curators go above and beyond: they answer questions and provide explanations.

Our guide with Sage Publications highlights the importance of their work.

Download it here 👇️
https://senseaboutscience.org/championing-good-information-curation/

09/07/2026

It was an absolute pleasure having you with us at the Reverse Select Committee Hearing on Monday.

Thank you for making the journey to ask some insightful questions, and champion the evidence that is needed to inform policy - for the betterment of us all.

09/07/2026

Thank you to The Science Diplomat team for putting together an excellent podcast episode with our CEO Tracey Brown, discussing the importance of to drive forward positive social change, while keeping and in mind

Give it a listen now 👇

Listen now (51 mins) | Independent reporting and conversations on science and governance.

06/07/2026

What do past winners of the John Maddox Prize say about the award?

Share this post to encourage people in your network to enter themselves, or prompt them to nominate a colleague, friend or family member for the 2026 John Maddox Prize for Standing up for Science.

Help us spread the word and celebrate researchers who are standing up for science in the face of adversity.

Nominate or enter 👇️
https://johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com/ #!/p0