A sweeping international study sheds light on public trust in scientists, revealing high confidence levels worldwide and a call for more engagement in society and policymaking.
Key Points at a Glance
- Global trust: A majority of people across 68 countries hold high trust in scientists, with an average trust level of 3.62 out of 5.
- Engagement desire: 83% of respondents want scientists to communicate their findings publicly, and 52% believe scientists should have a greater role in policymaking.
- Trust rankings: Egypt leads global trust in scientists, with the UK ranking 15th, above Canada and Sweden.
- Challenges: Only 42% believe scientists consider public views, and many feel research priorities often miss key societal concerns like public health and poverty reduction.
A landmark study published in Nature Human Behaviour has delivered the most comprehensive global snapshot of public trust in science since the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by the Trust in Science Project (TISP), a Harvard-led consortium involving 241 researchers from 169 institutions worldwide, the study surveyed 71,922 individuals across 68 countries, making it the largest dataset of its kind.
“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. Viktoria Cologna, one of the study’s lead researchers from Harvard University and ETH Zurich.
The findings highlight that trust in scientists is not just robust but also globally widespread. On a scale from 1 (very low trust) to 5 (very high trust), the average trust level was 3.62. Respondents viewed scientists as qualified (78%), honest (57%), and concerned about public well-being (56%).
The study’s rankings underscore intriguing regional variations:
- Top-ranking countries: Egypt, India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Australia emerged as leaders in public trust toward scientists.
- Middle of the pack: The UK ranked 15th globally, trailing the US (12th) but ahead of Canada (17th) and Sweden (20th).
- Lower-ranking nations: Albania, Kazakhstan, and Bolivia were at the bottom of the list.
Dr. Eleonora Alabrese, an economist from the University of Bath and contributor to the UK sample, noted, “The UK exhibits a generally high level of trust in science, ranking above many European countries, including Denmark, Germany, and Belgium. Trust is particularly higher among women, older individuals, and those with more education.”
Political orientation also influenced trust levels in certain regions. “In North America and parts of Europe, a conservative political stance correlates with lower trust in science,” Alabrese explained. However, this pattern was not observed globally, suggesting political leadership and cultural context significantly shape these attitudes.
Despite the widespread trust in scientists, the study revealed areas of concern. Notably:
- Limited public dialogue: Only 42% of respondents felt that scientists adequately consider public views in their work.
- Research priorities misalignment: Participants expressed dissatisfaction with the focus of scientific efforts, prioritizing public health, renewable energy solutions, and poverty reduction over areas like defense and military technology.
These findings suggest that while trust in science remains strong, there is room for improvement in aligning scientific priorities with societal needs and fostering meaningful dialogue.
The study’s authors urge scientists to:
- Increase public engagement: Emphasize dialogue with communities and consider diverse perspectives.
- Address political divides: Develop strategies to reach conservative groups in Western nations.
- Align priorities with public values: Focus on issues that resonate most with global populations, such as health and sustainability.
“Even small declines in trust from minority groups can influence how scientific evidence is integrated into policymaking,” Dr. Alabrese remarked. “These findings are vital for scientists and policymakers seeking to maintain and enhance public trust.”
As the world grapples with challenges ranging from climate change to public health crises, maintaining high levels of trust in science is crucial. This comprehensive global study highlights both the successes and shortcomings of current efforts to bridge the gap between scientists and the public.
By prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and alignment with societal needs, the scientific community can ensure its role as a trusted guide in solving the world’s most pressing issues.
