The year 2020 has put science in the spotlight as never before. From wearing masks during the pandemic to questions surrounding vaccinations, science has been thrust into the center of our lives with social media, allegations of fake news and political mistrust fanning flames of doubt. In a program co-sponsored by the Research Communications Program, a panel of experts discuss core issues of science communications, public distrust and authenticity, with a focus on issues intertwining the COVID-19 pandemic. (#36305)