Trust in Science

About the Trust in Science project

Trust in Science is a flagship project of the Harvard Data Science Initiative (HDSI), conducted in collaboration with the Harvard Kennedy School’s Program on Science, Technology & Society (STS). At a time of seemingly widespread loss of confidence in science and expertise, the Project seeks to illuminate the varied factors that currently impede trusting relations between the producers and users of scientific information. It leverages data science, science and technology studies, and related disciplines to analyze the breakdowns in public trust, and to ask what steps could be taken to promote better mutual understanding.

The Project supports faculty-led research efforts, workshops, conferences, symposia, and external engagement to amplify the impact of funded work.

Supporting the Trust in Science project


The HDSI’s Trust in Science project is funded in large part by philanthropic support from donors who share our desire to advance understandings of trust and mistrust in science by leveraging data science and other relevant disciplines, toward the goal of creating actionable insights. Reflecting the breadth and potential impact of this work, we welcome additional support from both industry and individuals who  seek to catalyze this progress. Contribute to the Trust in Science project here.

Current supporters of the Trust in Science project include Bayer and Microsoft.