Why incorporate social sciences in risk assessment, risk communication and risk management? This question has been debated in the regulatory arena for quite a while. Now we are witnessing a paradigm shift, marked by the inclusion of societal contributions to policymaking and an ever-growing importance of coordinated risk communication – accelerated not least by the pandemic, which brought the role of science to the centre of the public debate on effective risk analysis. At this evolving science–policy–society interface, the session aims to bring together some of the most experienced scholars and practitioners to discuss: (1) how social sciences can provide a societal perspective to – and stimulate the participation of diverse population groups in, risk analysis, and how such insights can help explain complex scientific concepts through innovative risk communication; and (2) what are the implications of technology on communication in the digital age and the underlying social research. Ultimately, we want to contribute to the ongoing debate by making as case for why and how the use of social sciences will be crucial to remain relevant in the changing One Health environment.