Public Trust in Science Hits Record High: What Experts Are Saying

Global Trust in Science: A Look at the Data

The State of Trust

A recent global survey, conducted by a team of 241 researchers led by Viktoria Cologna of ETH Zurich and Niels G. Mede of the University of Zurich, sheds light on the current state of public trust in science. This comprehensive study, spanning 68 countries and encompassing 71,922 participants, is the largest post-pandemic investigation into trust in science, societal expectations, and public views on research priorities. The findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, offer valuable insights into how the public perceives scientists and the role they play in society.

The survey revealed that trust in scientists remains relatively high globally, with an average trust level of 3.62 out of 5, where 1 represents very low trust and 5 represents very high trust. This suggests that the oft-repeated claim of a crisis of trust in science is not supported by the data. Interestingly, the majority of respondents (78%) perceive scientists as qualified, 57% as honest, and 56% as concerned about people’s well-being. However, the study also identified areas of concern.

Globally, less than half of the respondents (42%) believe that scientists pay attention to the views of others. This suggests a potential disconnect between the scientific community and the public it serves. As co-author Niels G. Mede explains, “Our results also show that many people in many countries feel that the priorities of science are not always well aligned with their own priorities. We recommend that scientists take these results seriously and find ways to be more receptive to feedback and open to dialogue with the public.”

Navigating the Divide: Political Leanings and Scientific Trust

The study also explored the relationship between political leanings and trust in scientists, revealing a complex picture. While previous research has shown a link between political ideology and trust in science, the current study found that this relationship varied across countries. In particular, people with right-wing political views in Western countries tended to have less trust in scientists than those with left-wing views.

This suggests that attitudes towards science may be becoming increasingly polarized along political lines in some regions. However, it is important to note that this trend was not observed in all countries. In most countries, political orientation and trust in scientists were not significantly related, indicating that political affiliation is not the sole determinant of trust in science.

Science’s Role in Society: A Call for Engagement

The survey results highlight the public’s desire for science to play an active role in society and policy-making. A clear majority (83%) of respondents believe that scientists should communicate with the public about science, emphasizing the importance of science communication efforts. This finding underscores the need for scientists to engage with the public in meaningful ways, explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible and understandable manner.

While a majority (52%) believe that scientists should be more involved in the policy-making process, only a minority (23%) believe that scientists should actively advocate for specific policies. This suggests that the public sees the role of scientists in policy-making as primarily one of providing evidence-based information and expertise, rather than actively lobbying for specific policy outcomes.

When asked about research priorities, participants gave high priority to research that could improve public health, solve energy problems, and reduce poverty. These findings align with the public’s desire for science to address pressing societal challenges and contribute to the well-being of humanity.

Conversely, research to develop defense and military technology was given a lower priority. In fact, participants explicitly believe that science is prioritizing the development of defense and military technology more than they would like, highlighting a potential misalignment between public and scientific priorities. Addressing this perceived gap between public and scientific priorities is crucial for ensuring that science continues to enjoy public trust and support.

Implications for the Future: Building Stronger Relationships

The findings of this global survey have significant implications for the future of science and its relationship with the public. To build and maintain strong public trust in science, it is essential that scientists take proactive steps to engage with the public, address their concerns, and ensure that scientific priorities are aligned with societal needs.

Here are some key takeaways for scientists and science communicators:

• Fostering Dialogue and Transparency: Scientists should actively engage in open and transparent dialogue with the public, explaining their research in accessible language and addressing concerns and questions honestly and directly.
• Strengthening Science Communication: Effective science communication is crucial for bridging the gap between scientists and the public. Scientists should invest in training and resources to improve their communication skills and reach diverse audiences.
• Prioritizing Public Needs: Scientists should consider the public’s priorities when developing research agendas, ensuring that research addresses pressing societal challenges and contributes to the common good.