Do People Trust Scientists? A 68-Country Survey Tells the Story
I collaborated with over 200 scholars worldwide on this massive study examining global trust in science.
I am proud to be a part of this new groundbreaking global study spanning 68 countries and 71,922 respondents that sheds light on public trust in science. The paper was published in Nature Human Behavior and is freely available to the public. I was part of the team of researchers who collected data for Indonesia and Malaysia. There is also a helpful website where you can explore country-level results.
Key Findings
Moderate to High Trust in Scientists: Despite concerns over declining public trust, the study found that most people generally trust scientists. The global trust index averaged 3.62 (on a 1-5 scale).
Scientists Are Seen as Competent: 78% of respondents believe scientists are well-qualified, while 75% trust scientific methods as the best way to determine truth.
Variations in Trust Levels: While no country showed low trust overall, there were regional differences. Countries with histories of political distrust, including Russia and some former Soviet republics and satellite states, exhibited lower trust levels.
Should Scientists Engage in Outreach and Policy?
The study found strong support for scientists taking an active role in science communication:
83% agree that scientists should communicate their findings to the public.
However, attitudes were more mixed for policy as just 49% agreed that scientists should actively advocate for specific policies and 52% agreed that scientists should be more involved in the policymaking process.
Political orientation affects these views, with right-leaning individuals 20-30% less likely to support scientists’ involvement in policymaking compared to left-leaning individuals. Overall, conservative political orientation did predict lower trust in Western countries, but political attitudes in most countries did not significantly predict attitudes toward science.
What Research Priorities Matter to the Public?
The public’s top three priorities for scientific research were:
Improving public health (4.49/5 average importance rating)
Solving energy problems (4.38/5)
Reducing poverty (4.09/5)
However, science is perceived as prioritizing defense and military technology more than the public desires:
Only 3.10/5 importance rating was given to military research, yet it is seen as overemphasized in scientific funding.
Who Trusts Scientists the Most?
Trust in scientists varies across demographic groups, with higher levels of trust among women, older adults, urban residents, higher-income individuals, and those with a university education. In contrast, conservatives, individuals with strong social dominance beliefs, and those with science-related populist attitudes (beliefs that scientists prioritize elite interests over public well-being) showed significantly lower trust levels.
Implications for Scientists and Policymakers
The study challenges the idea of a global "crisis of trust" in science, but small distrusting minorities can still shape public policy and opinion. To maintain and build trust, scientists should:
Increase transparency in research funding and processes.
Engage the public more effectively, moving beyond top-down and one-way communication.
Align research priorities with public concerns to strengthen trust.
Final Thoughts
Public trust in science remains strong but complex. While most people trust scientists, political and ideological divides influence perceptions. The challenge ahead? Ensuring science remains accessible, transparent, and aligned with societal needs.