From Research to Real Life: WHO Puts Communities at the Heart of Science and Health

WHO Chief Scientist Dr Sylvie Briand introduced the movement as an opportunity to shape scientific research around people's actual needs and increase the use of reliable evidence in public decision-making.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to launch a global movement that brings scientists, healthcare professionals and community organisations together to rebuild public confidence in science and improve how health information reaches people. Called Together for Science and Health, the movement will officially launch on 10 November 2026, encouraging communities to become active partners in scientific research and public health decisions. The initiative comes at a time when misleading health information and growing mistrust in scientific advice are making it increasingly difficult for people to identify reliable evidence and make informed choices about their health.

On 7 October 2026, the WHO Civil Society Commission and the WHO Chief Scientist's Office organised an information session attended by around 100 representatives of civil society and other non-State organisations. Participants discussed how community groups can strengthen public understanding of science, support evidence-based health policies and make scientific information more relevant to everyday life. The discussion built on the 2026 World Health Day theme, "Together for health. Stand with science," which encourages stronger cooperation between science and society.

WHO Chief Scientist Dr Sylvie Briand introduced the movement as an opportunity to shape scientific research around people's actual needs and increase the use of reliable evidence in public decision-making. Built on five values of respect, integrity, scientific rigour, ethical responsibility and social participation, the initiative focuses on connecting science with society, improving science-based policymaking and strengthening communication to address misinformation. WHO will support the movement as a catalyst and contributor, with participating organisations helping to shape its activities and maintain community involvement.

Bringing Community Knowledge Into Scientific Research

Dr Viviana Martínez-Bianchi, President of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), explained that family doctors play an important role in connecting scientific evidence with the health concerns people face in their daily lives. She stressed that trust develops through ongoing relationships, careful listening and conversations that reflect people's personal experiences rather than simply presenting research findings. Her message highlighted the importance of treating communities as active partners whose experiences can help shape health research, medical guidance and public health decisions.

Amal Ireifij, Director of Jordan's Royal Health Awareness Society and a member of the WHO Civil Society Commission, shared experiences from community programmes supporting childhood immunisation. She explained that people are more likely to trust health information when organisations provide clear answers, address practical concerns and work through familiar community representatives. Nihal Said, Senior Technical Advisor at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), added that civil society organisations contribute to scientific discovery by generating evidence, bringing forward Indigenous knowledge and gender perspectives, and ensuring underserved communities are represented in research.

Addressing Misinformation and Barriers to Reliable Health Information

During the session, representatives from community organisations, academic institutions, professional associations, advocacy networks and product development partnerships discussed the difficulties they face when applying scientific guidance in local settings. Several participants identified limited access to research data, unclear evidence requirements, disconnected support programmes and weak cooperation between scientific disciplines as barriers to effective community action. Questions were raised about how the new movement would connect with existing youth organisations, civil society networks and national or regional health initiatives without creating unnecessary duplication.

Participants called for stronger communication between researchers and communities so that local experiences can influence scientific priorities and the development of health guidance. They recommended making health information easier to understand, providing culturally relevant explanations and supporting trusted messengers such as health workers, youth volunteers, community leaders and civil society organisations. Greater inclusion of women, frontline health workers and underserved communities in research was also highlighted, along with the need to explain scientific uncertainty and changing evidence clearly so people can assess misleading claims.

Global Launch to Encourage Wider Participation in Science

Gerardo Zamora, from the WHO Chief Scientist's Office, outlined plans for the global launch on 10 November 2026, including in-person events in Paris and Geneva and online activities designed to reach organisations worldwide. He explained that the launch would mark the beginning of a continuing effort to connect existing initiatives, strengthen partnerships and encourage communities to participate in shaping science and health decisions. Organisations interested in joining the movement can endorse its Declaration of Commitment and complete an affiliation form to become part of the growing network.

The movement places particular importance on making scientific knowledge accessible to people who often have limited opportunities to participate in research or influence public health policies. Sustained partnerships between scientists, healthcare workers and community organisations could help scientific findings reach more people and support decisions that reflect local needs and experiences. WHO hopes the initiative will develop into a lasting global effort in which communities help shape scientific priorities, challenge misinformation and strengthen public trust in evidence-based healthcare.