Funders investing in media and journalism, civic dialogue, and science are focusing on the connections between science and civic life. While the United States continues to grapple with pressing scientific issues such as climate change and vaccine safety, questions of truth, evidence, and trust in news and information reveal a complex relationship between the public and the scientific community.

Understanding how we can make content more meaningful, with strong narratives about how science increases quality of life, creates jobs and improves health, will improve trust in and personal engagement with science.

Happily, science centers, national and state parks, zoos and history museums are considered to be reliable sources of scientific information. What’s more, they boast large numbers of visitors across educational, income and political backgrounds.

The importance of cultural institutions in communicating science is significant and presents a tremendous opportunity to connect with diverse backgrounds in support of greater science engagement.

Read the full article on the public perception of science at Media Impact Funders