-> The pandemic has shown that science is an important source of guidance in times of crisis, but it can also become the subject of public conflict and attacks. -> Since the authority of counter-experts or pseudo-experts feeds on conflict, radical opponents of political measures have no interest in resolving it. -> Trust in science grows when the experts advising politicians are selected by the scientific community itself rather than by the government. -> Experts should not act as mission-driven activists, but as knowledgeable advisors who provide policymakers with a range of well-founded options for action.