Science, Values, & Trust: Improving How We Communicate in Health Policy

Science is not a destination or a set of recommendations. It is a never-ending process through which we pursue truth. Surrounding and accompanying the scientific process are value judgments. What should scientists study? How should they study it? How should scientists interpret uncertain evidence? At what point should people respond to new evidence by changing their behavior? When should policy makers recommend or require that others do so? How should scientists and policy makers communicate evidence, recommendations, and requirements? Answering each of these questions requires value judgments that exist outside the scientific process. Failure to recognize or be open about the values underlying these choices can erode trust among those with different values.

Amid deep polarization and public skepticism, how can the science and public health communities acknowledge these dynamics while still upholding the rigor and integrity of evidence-informed decision making? This conversation will explore how values and uncertainty intersect in both science and policy and how transparency and humility can strengthen trust in both. Speakers will explore mindsets and tools that help scientists, policy makers, and health communicators engage respectfully and effectively across different values and perspectives. The discussion will touch on real-world examples where evidence and values have collided—from COVID-19 restrictions to harm reduction policies for drug users. Together, they will consider how clearly distinguishing between science and values can help to bridge divides, foster more productive public dialogue, and improve health policy.

Agenda

Additional speakers to be announced. Agenda is subject to change.

3:00 pm | Welcome

3:05 | Discussion

• Michael F. Cannon (Moderator), Director of Health Policy Studies, Cato Institute
• Aaron Carroll, President & CEO, AcademyHealth; see “To Build Public Trust, Researchers Need More Than Good Evidence”
• Harold Pollack, Professor, University of Chicago; see “Why Public Health Experts Aren’t Reaching Conservatives on Covid”
• Venkat Narayan, Professor, Emory University; see “Addressing Polarizing Issues in Public Health: Ten Principles for Effective Dialog”

3:50 | Audience Q&A

4:25 | Closing Remarks

4:30 | Adjourn