STAT launches trust-in-science reporter and editor roles to strengthen scientific coverage

STAT reflects on its founding mission of trusted journalism and how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for reliable science reporting.

The outlet notes a broader crisis of trust in science caused by the pandemic response, high‑profile misconduct, politicization of health agencies, and the rapid spread of misinformation, acknowledging that some distrust stems from real institutional failures.

To address this, STAT has created two new positions-a trust‑in‑science reporter and an editor-and hired Nicholas Florko, an award‑winning reporter who spent six years at STAT and two years elsewhere.

The hiring process attracted more applicants than any previous newsroom role, underscoring the significance of the initiative for the organization.