Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries
Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries
StatusVoR
Alternative title
Authors
Cologna, Viktoria
Mede, Niels G.
Berger, Sebastian
Besley, John
Brick, Cameron
Joubert, Marina
Maibach, Edward W.
Mihelj, Sabina
Oreskes, Naomi
Schäfer, Mike S.
Monograph
Monograph (alternative title)
Date
2025-01-20
Publisher
Journal title
Nature Human Behaviour
Issue
Volume
Pages
Pages
1-18
ISSN
2397-3374
ISSN of series
Access date
2025-01-20
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
Science is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists. We interrogated these concerns with a preregistered 68-country survey of 71,922 respondents and found that in most countries, most people trust scientists and agree that scientists should engage more in society and policymaking. We found variations between and within countries, which we explain with individual- and country-level variables, including political orientation. While there is no widespread lack of trust in scientists, we cannot discount the concern that lack of trust in scientists by even a small minority may affect considerations of scientific evidence in policymaking. These findings have implications for scientists and policymakers seeking to maintain and increase trust in scientists.