Building Trust in Health Science Through Community Partnership and Lived Experience Action Collaborative

About the Program
Strengthening trust in health science, together.
The NAM Building Trust in Health Science Collaborative, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, brings together community members, researchers, and institutions to strengthen public confidence in health science.
By making research more open, collaborative, and responsive to the people it serves, this initiative explores how to restore trust and close the gap between scientific institutions and the broader public. Through genuine community partnership, public education, and thoughtful data practices, the Collaborative aims to make science better serve the people behind the data and support the health of all.
Launch Webinar
Building Trust in Health Science Roundtable: Learning & Leading—Together
During this virtual roundtable, we shared background information and initial components of the Building Trust in Health Science Collaborative, presenting its foundational goals and strategic framework. This convening marks the beginning of a public-facing dialogue, where we invite open input, feedback, and shared reflection to shape the path forward together.

Why Trust Through Community Partnership Matters for Health Science
Health touches every part of our lives—it lives in the voices of elders, the memories of caregivers, and the everyday choices made in homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Building trust begins with listening—to stories passed down, moments of challenges and resilience, and lived experiences that carry the weight of generations. Experiences reveal what data alone cannot, helping to co-create health science that is shaped with the wisdom of those who live its consequences.
Long-term trust grows when scientists and institutions are transparent, inclusive, and communicate clearly—especially how research is conducted and why it matters for health and well-being. Working with communities helps ensure that scientific efforts are better understood, more relevant to everyday life, and ultimately more effective.
Related Resources

NAM Staff




Collaborative Leadership
The Building Trust in Health Science Collaborative’s steering committee will include leaders representing communities, researchers, funders, and other thought leaders to provide strategic oversight. Stay tuned for the announcement of the Collaborative’s members!
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Get in Touch
To learn more about the NAM’s Building Trust in Health Science Collaborative, contact [email protected]. You can also join our mailing list for program updates.