Trust in Scientists and their Role in Society: A Global Assessment in 67 Countries
Viktoria Cologna
11 January 2024
Scientific information is important for evidence-based decision-making about many contemporary issues. However, the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists. In this talk, I will present results from the Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) Many Labs study. The project involves a pre-registered, large-scale, online population survey with 71,417 respondents in 67 countries on all inhabited continents, which was made possible by the contribution of over 235 collaborators. The goal of this Many Labs study was to analyze the prevalence and correlates of trust in scientists and science-related populist attitudes across countries. Next to presenting a global assessment of the state of trust in scientists across the world, and the factors that influence it, I will be presenting findings on the public’s perceived role of science in society and policymaking and the public’s desired research priorities. I will conclude by providing critical reflections on what these results mean for the scientific community and the role of science in policymaking.
