Global Trust in Science Hits New Low

A comprehensive global study reveals a significant drop in public trust in science, with figures falling below pre-pandemic levels. The 2025 survey indicates that only 72% of respondents express at least some trust in science, a decrease from 80% in 2020.

Factors such as financial insecurity and low confidence in national healthcare systems are strongly linked to diminished trust in scientific endeavors. This trend is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, where only 21% of individuals reported having high trust in science, contrasting sharply with Western Europe's 54%.

Experts emphasize that public trust is crucial for scientific advancements to positively impact lives, especially as the world grapples with infectious diseases and climate change. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Western Asia, trust has seen a steady decline across multiple survey waves.

This erosion of trust poses challenges for public health programs, as communities may only interact with science through practical applications like vaccinations or community health visits. Low trust can hinder the implementation of these vital services. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for instance, only 22% of people reported having no trust in science at all, a situation exacerbated by past issues with intervention availability.

Furthermore, the perception that scientific research, particularly health research, often benefits external interests rather than local communities contributes to this mistrust. When health systems struggle, people may equate this with science failing them, highlighting the need for research that is conducted collaboratively and benefits those involved.