Public trust in health institutions is vital for effective crisis response, particularly during global health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, public resistance to scientific advice threatened to undermine cooperation between science, policy, and society. This dissertation examines trust in the health sector from two perspectives: How the public perceives and responds to health institutions and policies, and how scientists and researchers can contribute to fostering trust through their engagement with societal concerns. To this end, the project employs a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative secondary data analysis with a quantitative primary survey and qualitative dialogues within Socio-technical Integration Research (STIR). By examining regional variations in trust, the factors influencing public adherence to health measures, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in research, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics that shape trust in health systems. The research is divided into three interrelated studies, each addressing a specific aspect of this broader issue.

The first study focuses on public trust in health institutions across the European Union, investigating geographic patterns and socio-political factors that influence trust levels. By analyzing survey data at EU-level, this study seeks to identify key determinants of trust and gain insights into the impact of governance, public health policies, and individual perceptions on trust in medical institutions and professionals.

The second study examines the relationship between trust, knowledge, and adherence to public health measures in India and Germany. By comparing these two distinct healthcare and social contexts, it explores whether trust or knowledge plays a more significant role in compliance with preventive measures and acceptance of technologies to fight the virus-deactivating technologies. This analysis contributes to understanding how trust-based strategies can support public health interventions.

The third study shifts the focus to the role of scientists and researchers in fostering trust, assessing how interdisciplinary collaboration enhances their ability to anticipate and address societal concerns. By engaging researchers in structured dialogues, this study investigates how greater awareness of societal impacts can shape scientific communication and policy development, ultimately strengthening the link between research, public trust, and health outcomes.

Together, these studies provide critical insights into the multifaceted nature of trust in health crises and inform strategies to improve public trust in health systems and scientific expertise.

This PhD is a part of the CORAERO project – a large scale five-year COVID-19 research project in Germany.

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