Public trust in science has become a central concern for policymakers, who often interpret its perceived decline as a crisis of trust. In response, efforts to rebuild trust emphasise various strategies, including strengthening research ethics and integrity, promoting participatory approaches, and enhancing science communication. When developing policy measures, empirical surveys should help identify the reasons for distrust. However, current studies fall short of this objective. Most surveys on public trust in science, such as special Eurobarometers and national science barometers, reveal trust levels but fail to clarify respondents’ interpretations of trust and science or assess whether their trust or distrust is justified. Effective strategies require a complex understanding of the mechanisms of trust and distrust. Drawing on a conceptual analysis of trust, the chapter provides a framework for implementing a more nuanced understanding of its multidimensional nature encompassing two-place, and three-place trust, as well as the interplay between the trustor, trustee, and broader societal factors. By integrating these insights, the chapter outlines how better-targeted empirical studies can inform more effective, context-sensitive policy recommendations for promoting public trust in science.