A recent global study, covering 68 countries including Cyprus and Greece, sheds light on the high levels of public trust in scientists and the widespread desire for their increased involvement in shaping societal and policy decisions. Published in Nature Human Behaviors, the research surveyed 71,922 individuals, offering the most detailed snapshot of global trust in scientists since the COVID-19 pandemic. The average global trust rating was 3.62 out of 5, reflecting a generally positive perception of scientists, though regional differences exist:
Countries With the Highest Trust
Egypt tops the list with a score of 4.30, followed by India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Australia.
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Countries With the Lowest Trust
At the bottom, Albania ranked lowest with a score of 3.05, closely followed by Ethiopia, Russia, Bolivia, and Kazakhstan.
Greece And Cyprus
Greece ranks 56th with a trust rating of 3.39, just below the global average, while Cyprus follows closely with a slightly higher score of 3.42, placing 52nd in the global rankings.
The findings suggest that a significant portion of the public views scientists as competent (78%), honest (57%), and concerned about the welfare of society (56%). Furthermore, the study reveals that 75% of respondents agree that scientific methods are the most reliable means of discovering truth. More than half of the participants (52%) also believe that scientists should have a more direct role in policymaking.
Key Areas For Scientific Research Focus
The survey indicates that the public wants scientific efforts to concentrate on:
- Enhancing public health
- Addressing energy challenges
- Alleviating poverty
On the other hand, there is a clear reluctance to prioritize military and defense technology, with many participants feeling that current research in these areas is overemphasized.
While trust in scientists remains strong, only 42% of respondents believe scientists actively consider public opinions. Additionally, 83% of participants called for improved communication between the scientific community and the public, as many feel that scientific priorities don’t always reflect societal needs.
