In an ambitious cross-cultural study that spanned 68 countries and surveyed nearly 72,000 respondents, an international team of researchers has delivered compelling evidence that public trust in scientists remains robust worldwide. Contrary to recent concerns surrounding a "crisis of trust" in science, the research reveals that most people continue to place significant trust in scientists’ expertise and their role in shaping society and policymaking. The study’s findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, challenge the notion of eroding confidence in science and emphasize the vital place scientists hold in global public opinion.
The study employed a comprehensive trust index designed to measure various dimensions of trustworthiness, including competence, integrity, benevolence, and openness to feedback. Averaging a score of 3.62 on a five-point scale, the results portray a largely positive global consensus toward scientists. Crucially, no country included in the study showed an overall low level of trust, underscoring an enduring faith in scientific methods and those who apply them.
One of the most significant revelations from this research is the sustained confidence in scientific research methods themselves. Approximately 75 percent of respondents agreed that the scientific method is the most reliable means for determining the validity of claims. This finding illustrates how methodological rigor remains the foundation upon which the public’s trust in science is built and often correlates directly with their trust in individual scientists.
Interestingly, the study also addressed the often-highlighted “replication crisis” in science—a phenomenon characterized by difficulties in reproducing experimental results in various fields. Despite this, participants globally viewed scientists as highly competent, with an average competence rating of 4.02 out of 5. Thus, while some methodological challenges have been publicized within scientific communities, the general public perceives scientists as qualified and capable, especially in addressing critical social challenges like healthcare, poverty alleviation, and energy crises.
However, the perception of scientists’ openness to external feedback and critique was somewhat lower, averaging 3.33. Nevertheless, a substantial 42 percent of respondents still believe that scientists welcome and consider others’ opinions to a moderate or large extent. This nuance suggests that while scientists are seen as experts with deep knowledge, there remains skepticism about their willingness to integrate diverse viewpoints, an important factor in maintaining transparency and public trust.
The implications of public trust in science extend well beyond abstract belief; this trust is instrumental during global crises. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a salient example where societies with elevated public trust in scientific experts better adhered to recommended non-pharmaceutical interventions and exhibited greater vaccine confidence. Parallelly, trust in scientists correlates with increased public engagement in climate change mitigation actions, an area demanding urgent collective action based on credible scientific advice.
Demographic analysis revealed notable variations within populations. Women, older individuals, and those with higher levels of education tended to report greater trust in scientists. These differences could partly reflect varying interactions with science communication, educational exposure, or lived experiences that shape attitudes toward scientific authority. Understanding these demographic variances will be key to targeting science communication effectively and fortifying public trust further.
The geographic variation in trust is equally intriguing. While some regions like Latin America and Africa traditionally faced skepticism in earlier studies, this research found no consistent regional pattern of distrust in these continents. Instead, relatively low trust levels clustered in Russia and several former Soviet republics and satellite states, suggesting that geopolitical and cultural factors significantly influence scientific trust.
At the country level, Egypt emerged as the nation with the highest average trust score in scientists (4.30), closely followed by India (4.26). Other countries featuring in the top ten include Nigeria, Kenya, Australia, Bangladesh, Spain, Turkey, New Zealand, and Argentina. Conversely, countries such as Ethiopia, Russia, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, and Albania ranked lowest, though even their scores represented a moderate level of trust rather than outright skepticism.
The survey also explored public desires regarding scientists’ focus areas, with a majority emphasizing that scientists should prioritize public health and energy research—two domains critically linked to well-being and sustainable development. Conversely, defense and military technology research attracted the least public support, reflecting ethical concerns or apprehensions about the societal impact of such work.
Notably, the study’s authors emphasize that even small groups harboring distrust towards science should not be dismissed. These pockets of skepticism, although minorities, can wield disproportionate influence on policy decisions and individual behaviors, potentially undermining public health efforts or climate initiatives. Future research is planned to probe the underlying causes and consequences of such anti-scientific attitudes, aiming to develop strategies that could bridge these divides.
The comprehensive nature of this survey marks an important milestone in understanding global attitudes toward science and scientists. It highlights not only the widespread respect for scientific credentials and methodologies but also the challenges that remain around inclusiveness and communication. As science continues to grapple with complex societal challenges—from pandemics to climate change—maintaining and nurturing public trust will remain paramount.
Moreover, the findings suggest that reinforcing scientists’ visibility as trustworthy and benevolent agents, committed both to accuracy and societal well-being, could help address the nuanced concerns about openness and community engagement. The stakes are high, as trust shapes not only scientific policymaking but also the willingness of communities worldwide to embrace innovations, public health recommendations, and evidence-based policies.
In summary, this trailblazing international study offers robust evidence dispelling fears of a global trust crisis in scientists. Instead, it illuminates an enduring and deep-rooted respect for science and those who practice it worldwide. Moving forward, this trust must be actively fostered through transparent scientific practices, effective communication, and responsiveness to public concerns to safeguard science’s pivotal role in societal progress.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries
News Publication Date: 20-Jan-2025
Web References: https://www.tisp-manylabs.com/, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02090-5
References:
- Sturgis, P., Brunton-Smith, I. & Jackson, J. Trust in science, social consensus and vaccine confidence. Nat. Hum. Behav. 5, 1528–1534 (2021).
- Cologna, V. & Siegrist, M. The role of trust for climate change mitigation and adaptation behaviour: a meta-analysis. J. Environ. Psychol. 69, 101428 (2020).
- IPSOS Global Trustworthiness Monitor: Stability in an Unstable World (IPSOS, 2022).
Keywords: public trust, scientists, science communication, evidence-based policy, global survey, COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, scientific competence, methodology, societal trust, international research, science skepticism
