Public trust in scientists remains high across most countries globally
In short: A large-scale survey of 71,922 respondents across 68 countries found that the majority of people still trust scientists. The study revealed that most participants believe scientists should play a more active role in society and in the policymaking process.
The research aimed to address growing concerns regarding the declining authority of scientific evidence in public life. By analyzing data at both individual and national levels, researchers identified how factors like political orientation influence these perceptions.
While trust is generally high, the study notes that even a small minority lacking confidence in scientists could still impact how policy decisions are made. The study was conducted via a preregistered survey, which provides a broad snapshot but does not establish direct causality between specific variables and trust levels.
Why it matters: Despite concerns about skepticism, global public confidence in scientific expertise remains largely intact.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Cologna et al. (2025). Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries. Nature Human Behaviour. · cc-by
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