ELF has joined the WHO’s Together for Science and Health movement, a global initiative to strengthen trust in science, support evidence-based decision-making and bring research closer to communities.
Image credit: World Health Organization
At a time when misinformation is increasingly affecting public understanding of health issues, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) has joined the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Together for Science and Health movement. Launching on 10 November 2026, the initiative aims to strengthen trust in science, promote evidence-based decision-making and bring research closer to communities.
The movement brings together researchers, health professionals, policymakers, communities, funders and citizens to ensure scientific progress continues to improve health and wellbeing worldwide. A key focus is strengthening the relationship between science and society, so that research reflects people’s needs and experiences and builds trust in the evidence that informs health decisions.
This focus on public involvement in science is central to ELF’s work. ELF campaigns for the involvement of patients in every stage of scientific research and works to raise awareness of the evidence behind major health challenges such as air pollution.
The movement has three aims:
Drawing on her experience as a teacher and patient advocate, ELF Vice Chair, Helen Parks, said,
“We are pleased to be part of this initiative to restore public and government trust in science and evidence-based decision-making. We must recognise the contribution scientific research has made to people’s health and continue to explain its benefits clearly. We should strive to create more opportunities for people to share their views and experiences and help shape research. By working together across sectors and countries, we can strengthen trust and participation. Science should not separate us; it should unite us.”
The themes of Together for Science and Health also link with one of ELF’s own campaigns, run with the European Respiratory Society (ERS). The Defend Science, Protect Public Health campaign calls for action from European institutions, national governments and policymakers to:
Scientific research has transformed health around the world, from antibiotics that make once-deadly infections treatable, to vaccination programmes that help millions of children survive and thrive, and advances in cancer screening and treatment that improve early detection and outcomes. Through the movement, WHO and its partners hope to strengthen understanding of these achievements and build trust in the science that makes them possible.
Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist and Assistant Director-General for Better Health Systems, said:
“Science is not just about making discoveries. It is about making a difference in people’s lives and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit.”
