STAT Launches Initiative to Address Trust in Science
STAT introduces a new initiative focused on trust in science, hiring Nicholas Florko as a dedicated reporter to explore misinformation, its origins, and its impact. The initiative will also include essays and profiles, supported by multiple foundations, and will be a key theme at the upcoming STAT Summit.
STAT has launched a new initiative to address the growing crisis of trust in science, appointing Nicholas Florko as a dedicated trust-in-science reporter. The move comes as distrust in scientific institutions has been exacerbated by the pandemic, misconduct, politicization, and the spread of misinformation. Florko, a former STAT reporter and recent staff writer at *The Atlantic*, will focus on the origins and spread of misinformation, aiming to provide nuanced coverage that avoids dismissing those with concerns as irrational or misguided.
## The New Role and Its Focus
Florko’s appointment follows a highly competitive search process, reflecting the significance of the role. He brings a wealth of experience, having previously covered critical issues such as failures in the U.S. food safety system and the preventable deaths of incarcerated individuals due to untreated hepatitis C. In his new position, Florko plans to explore the roots of misinformation, how it proliferates, and potential strategies to combat it. He emphasizes the need for compassionate reporting, particularly when addressing movements like vaccine skepticism, where many adherents are driven by genuine concerns for their children’s well-being.
## Broader Coverage and Support
Beyond Florko’s reporting, STAT will publish additional stories and essays on trust-related issues. A recent example includes a profile of an immunologist who transitioned from an anti-vaccine background to becoming a vocal advocate against misinformation. The initiative is financially supported by the Dana, Greenwall, John Templeton, and Boston foundations. Trust in science will also be a central theme at the upcoming STAT Summit, scheduled for October 14-15 in Boston and virtually, where Florko and other award-winning reporters will engage with key figures in science, policy, and advocacy.
## Exclusive Reporting and Subscription Benefits
STAT+ subscribers have recently gained access to exclusive reports, including:
| Topic | Details | |---|---| | Health care cost crisis | Public employers facing difficult trade-offs | | IRS investigation | UnitedHealth scrutinized over billions funneled through a foreign subsidiary | | Antitrust probe | Epic facing regulatory scrutiny, executive departures, and succession questions |
Subscribers also receive discounts to STAT events nationwide. The initiative underscores STAT’s commitment to delivering trusted, in-depth journalism while addressing the challenges of declining public trust in science.
