Eight Rules to Regain Public Trust in Academia
Public trust and political consensus about the value of universities has fallen rapidly. This is largely because academics are no longer seen as rigorous, objective, and careful scholars and teachers. The following eight rules are a catechism to reverse that trend and ensure we most effectively contribute to society.
Universities exist to generate and teach useful knowledge. This knowledge is grounded in skeptical inquiry, empirical evidence, and logical deduction. "Useful" includes not only practical applications but also fundamental discoveries that expand our understanding of the world, even if their benefits are long-term.
Universities are subsidized only if society at large finds them valuable. Research may take time to bear fruit, but its insights should ultimately serve the public good, communicated openly and accessibly, and presented with epistemic humility. Teaching should be done with care and draw on up-to-date research.
Useful knowledge can be created by people from any social or economic background. Do not waste talent. Do not select talent based on who knows "how to play the game". Avoid insular language or norms that deter people from entering research.
Research must be neutral and objective. It is true that everyone has their individual background and preferences; nonetheless, unbiased research is still possible. Tradition, folk knowledge, and storytelling all play an important roles in society, but they are not the purpose of universities. There is no "Western science" or culturally-determined "ways of knowing". Rather, research is open to all and can be performed identically regardless of background.
Hiring, promotion, and citation must be based on an individual's contribution to knowledge. Nepotism, group preferences, and adherence to specific "schools of thought" corrupt this process. When advancement is not based on merit, the public rightly questions our integrity and the objectivity of our findings.
A scholar's personal politics should be invisible in their research and teaching. If a finding is predictable based on the author's identity or known views, the process has failed. Objectivity is the hallmark of credible science. Academics may hold private beliefs like anyone else, but their academic work must stand apart from them.
Fraud destroys trust. Misrepresentation of results, selective reporting, or methods designed to publish rather than to discover are also harmful. Proven fraud must bring immediate dismissal, as it violates the core purpose of academia.
Universities, journals, and scientific societies must remain non-partisan. Their public statements must be rare, restricted to issues of direct expert consensus, and made only when silence would be a greater threat to their integrity than speaking. Activism sacrifices credibility for influence - or worse yet, sacrifices credibility and influence alike.
Kevin A. Bryan | University of Toronto | September 2025