TRESCA · Project

Tools to Fight Misinformation and Build Public Trust in Your Communications

digitalPrototypeTRL 5Thin data (2/5)

Imagine you publish something important — a health warning, a product claim, a policy update — and nobody believes you because they can't tell real news from fake anymore. TRESCA tackled exactly that problem. A team of 6 partners across Europe studied what makes people trust (or distrust) science-based information, then built practical tools: a widget that flags misinformation on messaging apps, animated explainer videos, and an online course teaching scientists, journalists, and decision-makers how to communicate facts people actually believe. Think of it as a credibility toolkit for anyone whose business depends on being trusted.

By the numbers

consortium partners across 6 countries

total project deliverables produced

focus areas: misinformation/digital safety, environmental health, automation/future of work

industry partners in the consortium

33%

industry participation ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Public trust in science-based information is eroding, fueled by misinformation spreading through digital channels and encrypted messaging apps. Companies, government agencies, and media organizations that communicate technical or scientific findings face growing skepticism from their audiences. This credibility gap costs real money — in delayed policy adoption, reduced product trust, and wasted communication budgets.

The solution

What was built

TRESCA produced 31 deliverables including three main tools: a prototype misinformation detection widget for encrypted messaging channels, tested animated science communication videos, and a fully evaluated Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for training scientists, journalists, and policy makers in trustworthy communication.

Audience

Who needs this

Digital news platforms fighting misinformation on their channelsCorporate communications teams making science-based product claimsGovernment agencies communicating public health or environmental policyEdTech companies seeking validated course content on media literacySocial media platforms looking for content credibility tools

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Media & Publishing

any

Target: Digital news outlets and content platforms

If you are a digital media company dealing with declining reader trust and the spread of misinformation on your platform — this project developed a misinformation detection widget prototype designed for encrypted communication channels that helps users distinguish trustworthy content from unreliable sources. With 31 deliverables produced across 6 countries, the tools were tested with real audiences including journalists and policy makers.

Corporate Communications & PR

mid-size

Target: Communications agencies and corporate PR departments

If you are a communications firm struggling to make science-based claims credible to skeptical audiences — this project developed tested animated science communication videos and research-backed methods for presenting technical information in ways that build trust. The approach was validated through large-scale experimental surveys and deliberative research with the public.

EdTech & Professional Training

SME

Target: Online learning platforms and training providers

If you are an EdTech company looking for validated course content on science communication — this project built and tested a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) covering 3 areas: misinformation and digital safety, environmental health, and automation and future of skills. The MOOC was evaluated and revised based on testing results before public release.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to license or use these tools?

Based on available project data, TRESCA was a publicly funded Research and Innovation Action (RIA), so the MOOC and research outputs are likely openly accessible. The misinformation widget is described as a prototype, so commercial licensing terms would need to be discussed directly with the consortium. No pricing information is available in the project data.

Can the misinformation widget work at industrial scale?

The misinformation widget is described as a prototype designed for encrypted communication channels. Based on available project data, it was tested and evaluated but there is no evidence of large-scale commercial deployment. Scaling would likely require further development and integration work.

Who owns the intellectual property?

IP is shared among the 6-partner consortium led by Erasmus University Rotterdam. As an RIA project, results typically follow Horizon 2020 IP rules where each partner owns their contributions. Specific licensing arrangements would need to be negotiated with the relevant consortium members.

Has any of this been tested with real users?

Yes. The project conducted large-scale experimental survey research and qualitative deliberative research with the public. The MOOC was specifically tested, evaluated, and revised before full public release, as documented in their deliverable on MOOC testing and evaluation.

What topics does the MOOC cover?

The MOOC covers 3 specific areas of concern around digitalisation: misinformation and digital safety, environmental health, and automation and the future of skills and work. It targets scientists, journalists, and policy makers who need to communicate complex findings reliably.

How long did development take?

The project ran from January 2020 to April 2022, approximately 2 years and 4 months. The consortium produced 31 deliverables during this period, including the misinformation widget prototype, animated videos, and the tested MOOC.

Consortium

Who built it

The TRESCA consortium brings together 6 partners from 6 countries (AT, DE, ES, IT, NL, UK), led by Erasmus University Rotterdam, a well-regarded European research university. The mix is research-heavy: 1 university, 3 research organizations, and 2 industry partners (33% industry ratio). Notably, there are zero SMEs in the consortium. The 2 industry partners likely bring media or communications expertise, but the lack of SME involvement and the low industry ratio suggest this project was driven by academic research priorities rather than market demand. For a business buyer, this means the outputs are well-researched but may need adaptation for commercial use.

ERASMUS UNIVERSITEIT ROTTERDAMCoordinator · NL
OBSERVA ASSOCIAZIONEparticipant · IT
AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICASparticipant · ES
SCIENCE BUSINESS PUBLISHING LIMITEDparticipant · UK
ZENTRUM FUR SOZIALE INNOVATION GMBHparticipant · AT

How to reach the team

Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands — reach out via university's research department or the TRESCA project website contact page

Order a report on this consortium See ERASMUS UNIVERSITEIT ROTTERDAM profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how TRESCA's misinformation detection tools or science communication training could work for your organization? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the right consortium partner.

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