Earning Trust in the Age of the Pandemic

Trust is fragile and fostering it is essential in these uncertain times. With the coronavirus’ unrelenting spread, scientists around the globe are rushing to create a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. But the global race underway to roll out a successful vaccine will ultimately hinge on the public’s perception of vaccine safety and efficacy.

Watch video of this event.

In this webinar, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the American Academy of the Arts & Sciences partnered for a conversation on the complex relationship between public trust and vaccines. The discussion explored the public’s multifaceted perception of vaccine safety and the importance of creating and sustaining public trust regarding its use.

The Academy’s Public Face of Science initiative – which illuminates how Americans feel about science, where they develop their ideas, and what can be done to improve the connections between science and society – provided helpful context for this discussion. The initiative’s final report, including recommendations, was released in August 2020.

This webinar was made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.