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Trust in Scientists: A Global And Cypriot Perspective On Public Confidence

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.

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.

TikTok Returns To US App Stores 

TikTok is once again available for download in the Apple and Google app stores in the US, following a delay in the enforcement of its ban by former President Donald Trump. The ban’s postponement until April 5 gives the administration additional time to evaluate the situation.

Key Developments

The decision to restore TikTok access came after Google and Apple received reassurances from the Trump administration that they would not face legal consequences for reinstating the Chinese-owned app. According to Bloomberg, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter outlining these guarantees.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Trump instructed the attorney general not to take enforcement action for 75 days, providing time for his administration to determine how to proceed.

Uncertain Future For TikTok In The US

While TikTok is back on the US app stores, its long-term survival remains uncertain. If no deal is reached by early April to address national security concerns, the app may face another shutdown. ByteDance, the parent company, has insisted that TikTok is not for sale.

Legislation And Pressure On ByteDance

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy-Controlled Apps Act, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress, mandates a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sells its US operations. This law was signed by President Joe Biden in April of last year.

In late January, the app was briefly removed from US stores following the ban’s activation, impacting over 170 million American users. However, TikTok was restored soon after, following Trump’s intervention in his first hours as president. During that time, he signed an executive order allowing 75 days for a deal that would safeguard national security. Trump also suggested that the US could take a 50% stake in TikTok, a move he believed would keep the app “in good hands.”

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