Dean Wells builds TRuST with new interdisciplinary network

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

The University of Waterloo’s new Trust in Research Undertaken in Science and Technology Scholarly Network (TRuST) brings together researchers and practitioners from across disciplines to improve communication with the public and build trust in science and technology.

Dr. Mary Wells, dean of Waterloo Engineering, Dr. Donna Strickland, recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics, and Dr. Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher, Canada Research Chair in Science, Health and Technology Communication, will host the inaugural speaker series event on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. 

The scholarly network is collaborating with fellow researchers in the faculties of Arts, Engineering, Environment and Science to begin building and sharing resources to support faculty who conduct public engagement and communication work. In the long term, TRuST aims to expand its partnerships further to include all Waterloo faculties as well as external partners including provincial and national organizations.

“TRuST will develop mechanisms to enhance trust in science and technology with a broad range of stakeholders,” says Dr. Mary Wells, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and one of the founding members of the scholarly network. “Building trust and understanding of science and technology will allow researchers and scholars to communicate, mobilize and share knowledge with the public, policymakers, politicians, industry leaders and others.”

Co-led by Strickland and Mehlenbacher, this is the first multidisciplinary research network of its kind in Canada to tackle this important issue. 

Go to Nobel laureate launches the Trust in Research Undertaken in Science and Technology Scholarly Network at Waterloo for the full story.