UK Survey Shows Strong Public Trust in Scientists Amid Polarization

A study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the charity Sense about Science surveyed 4,262 UK adults. Nearly two-thirds (63 %) reported a trust score of 7 or higher (on a 0-10 scale) for scientists, while only 5 % gave a score of 3 or below.

Nature

Both factors outweighed the influence of perceived scientific expertise. The researchers note that benevolence—believing researchers care about society—has long been a core pillar of public trust in science.

Nature

Trust was lower for scientists working on vaccines, space research, and climate studies. When asked about institutional affiliation, respondents expressed the most confidence in academics (12 %), compared with scientists employed by government bodies (42 %) and private companies (34 %). Those with low overall trust were also more likely to endorse conspiracy theories about climate change, vaccines, and 5G phone towers.

Nature

Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London and co-author of the study, emphasized that in a politically divided society, people focus on “what’s in it for me,” suggesting that perceived alignment with personal values drives trust more than abstract notions of scientific goodwill.

Nature

• “In a politically divided society, people become much more interested in, ‘What’s in it for me?’” — Duffy. Where — Bobby Duffy, director, Policy Institute at King’s College London.

Nature