Global Trust in Science Soars Post-Pandemic—But Public Calls for a Shift in Priorities todayheadline

Largest post-pandemic survey finds widespread support for scientific expertise, while identifying crucial areas for improvement

Scientists remain highly trusted across the globe, according to the most comprehensive study of public attitudes toward science since the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published in Nature Human Behaviour, challenges popular narratives about declining trust in scientific expertise while identifying specific areas where the scientific community could better align with public expectations.

The landmark study, which surveyed 71,922 people across 68 countries representing 79% of the global population, found consistently positive attitudes toward scientists, with a global trust rating of 3.62 on a 5-point scale. The research was conducted by an international consortium of 241 researchers from 179 institutions worldwide, led by Dr. Viktoria Cologna of Harvard University and ETH Zurich, and Dr. Niels G. Mede of the University of Zurich.

Public Confidence in Scientific Expertise

The study revealed that 78% of respondents believe scientists are qualified to conduct high-impact research, while 57% consider them honest, and 56% believe scientists are concerned about public well-being. “Our results show that most people in most countries have relatively high trust in scientists and want them to play an active role in society and policymaking,” said Dr. Cologna.

Geographic and Political Variations

Trust levels showed significant variation across regions and political lines. Egypt topped the global rankings, followed by India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Australia. The United Kingdom ranked 15th, ahead of many European nations but behind the United States. At the lower end, Albania, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Russia, and Ethiopia showed the lowest trust levels.

In Western nations, political orientation emerged as a significant factor, with conservatives generally showing lower trust in scientists. However, this pattern didn’t hold true globally, suggesting that local political leadership may play a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward science.

Communication and Engagement

The research identified a strong public mandate for scientific engagement, with 83% of respondents agreeing that scientists should communicate with the public. Only 23% opposed scientists actively advocating for specific policies, while 52% supported increased scientific involvement in policymaking.

However, the study also revealed a significant communication gap: less than half of respondents (42%) believe that scientists pay attention to others’ views, highlighting a critical area for improvement in scientific engagement with the public.

Research Priorities and Public Expectations

The survey uncovered notable disparities between public priorities and perceived scientific focus areas. Respondents strongly favored research aimed at:

• Improving public health
• Solving energy problems
• Reducing poverty

Many participants expressed concern that current scientific priorities don’t adequately align with these preferences. Particularly noteworthy was the finding that respondents believed too much emphasis was being placed on defense and military technology research compared to their desired priorities.

Demographic Patterns

The study found higher trust levels among several demographic groups:

• Women showed greater trust than men
• Older individuals expressed more confidence in scientists
• Urban residents displayed higher trust levels than rural populations
• Higher income correlated with increased trust
• More educated individuals showed greater trust in scientific expertise

Implications for Science Policy

While the overall findings paint a positive picture of public trust in science, the researchers emphasize that even minority levels of distrust could significantly impact how scientific evidence is considered in policymaking. Previous research has shown that a minority of just 10% can be sufficient to influence majority opinion, while a threshold of 25% can tip majority views entirely.

Moving Forward

The researchers recommend several key actions for the scientific community:

• Increase transparency about funding sources and data
• Improve receptiveness to public feedback
• Develop more genuine dialogue with various societal actors
• Better align research priorities with public concerns
• Address political polarization around science in Western nations

“While trust in science remains generally high, these findings suggest critical areas where the scientific community needs to evolve,” said Dr. Eleonora Alabrese, an economist from the University of Bath. The challenge now is to maintain this trust while becoming more responsive to public priorities and concerns, the researchers say.

The study, which collected data between November 2022 and August 2023, represents the most comprehensive assessment of public attitudes toward science in the post-pandemic era. Its findings offer crucial insights for scientists, policymakers, and institutions working to maintain and strengthen the relationship between scientific expertise and society.