NEW YORK — After more than two decades gauging public trust, Edelman is deepening its exploration of the subject with the launch of a global center predicated on studying — and cultivating — people’s trust in institutions and organizations.

An extension of  Edelman’s Trust Barometer reports, the Edelman Trust Institute is designed to be a hub for the  in-depth study of public trust in business, government and media, with the overarching goal of improving it at a time when confidence in institutions is at a low

Russell Dubner, who in April was elevated from US CEO to global vice chairman, is overseeing the operation as chair. Tim Sutton, who joined DJE Holdings as a senior advisor in May, worked with CEO Richard Edelman and Dubner on the Institute's launch.

The Institute will expand Trust Barometer reports, provide data and updates on the state of trust and explore new ways to close trust gaps between society and its institutions.

By having a better understanding of public trust, and where it stands, organizational leaders will be better equipped to take the steps necessary to build confidence among stakeholders, the agency said. The Trust Institute will partner with academics, companies, foundations and other institutions.

“With business now the most trusted institution globally and the CEO of my employer now the most trusted spokesperson, it’s clear that trust is the element that binds business stakeholders together,” said Richard Edelman. “This is why we are making a multi-year investment in a collaborative endeavor with academia and other leading thinkers to build a deeper understanding of trust and its linkage to success. The Edelman Trust Institute is the next chapter in our commitment to the study of trust.”