Victoria AdolphusA groundbreaking survey of over 71,000 people across 68 countries reveals that trust in scientists has reached an all-time high. The study, led by a global consortium from Harvard University, shows that most people trust scientists and want them to play a more active role in society and policymaking.
Key Findings:
- A majority of respondents (83%) believe that scientists should communicate science with the public.
- 52% think that scientists should be more involved in the policymaking process.
- The public trusts scientists to be qualified (78%), honest (57%), and concerned about people’s well-being (56%).
Global Rankings:
- Egypt tops the list of countries that trust scientists the most, followed by India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Australia.
- The UK ranks 15th, while the US ranks 12th.
- Albania, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Russia, and Ethiopia are among the countries with the lowest levels of trust in scientists.
Insights from the Study:
- Trust in science is higher among women, older individuals, and those with more education.
- Conservative political orientation is linked to lower trust in science in North America and parts of Europe.
- The public wants scientists to prioritize research on public health, energy, and poverty reduction.
Challenges and Concerns:
- Less than half of respondents (42%) believe that scientists pay attention to others’ views.
- Many people feel that the priorities of science do not align with their own priorities.
Recommendations:
- Scientists should be more receptive to feedback and open to dialogue with the public.
- Scientists should consider ways to reach conservative groups in Western countries.
- Scientists should prioritize research that aligns with the public’s priorities.
Overall, this study shows that trust in science is high, but there is still work to be done to ensure that scientists are responsive to the public’s needs and priorities.
