From the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been inundated with mis- and disinformation. It has highlighted the critical role of scientific risk communicators and the ability to provide timely, accurate and comprehensible guidance.

The World Health Organization defines risk communication as “the exchange of real-time information, advice and opinions between experts and people facing threats to their health, economic or social well-being. The ultimate purpose of risk communication is to enable people at risk to take informed decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

We propose 3 guiding principles every risk and science communicator should follow – both to provide facts, share evidence and science-based information and to manage rumors, misinformation and disinformation.