Tartu conference examines how to build trust in science

How to build trust in science before a crisis will be the focus of a conference in Tartu on Wednesday, ERR reports. The event, titled “Trusts, does not trust?”, will also be streamed via Novaator.

Experts will discuss how to help people make decisions when facts alone are not enough, and how to reach young people who are difficult to engage through traditional media.

International speakers include Olha Izhyk, a World Health Organization expert in risk communication and infodemic management, who will discuss reaching people amid uncertainty, emotion and echo chambers. Rosemary Hindle, communications director at Science Europe, will present the organisation’s new recommendations for science communication. Philipp Spitzer, an associate professor of chemistry education at the University of Graz, will offer a brief look at case studies in Austria.

The afternoon programme will include the first presentation of the 2026 Estonian Science Barometer results by Katariina Mäll, a research expert at EMOR. Eneli Kindsiko of the Development Monitoring Centre will discuss how to make science resonate with people aged 25 to 85, drawing on lessons from the human development report. A workshop titled “From ideas to action” will be led by Strateon.

The conference will close with the presentation of national science communication awards, recognition awards from the Estonian Association for Science Hobby Education, and the Milky Way Star recognition from Tartu Observatory and ESERO Estonia.

The programme runs from 10:00 to 16:20. It opens with remarks by Kristiina Tõnnisson, chair of the Estonian Research Council board, and conference moderator Neeme Raud. A panel discussion with the international speakers is scheduled for 11:30.