Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries

Nature Human Behaviour. 2025. Vol. 9. No. 4. P. 713–730.

Cologna V., Mede N., Berger S., Besley J., Brick C., Joubert M., Dubrov D., Gallyamova A., Grigoryev D., Komyaginskaya E., Zwaan R.

Science is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision-makers act based on the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists. We interrogated these concerns with a pre-registered 68-country survey of 71,922 respondents and find that in most countries, most people trust scientists and agree that scientists should engage more in society and policymaking. We find variations between and within countries, which we explain with individual- and country-level variables, including political orientation. While there is no widespread lack of trust in scientists, we cannot discount the concern that lack of trust in scientists by even a small minority may affect considerations of scientific evidence in policymaking. These findings have implications for scientists and policymakers seeking to maintain and increase trust in scientists.

Keywords: climate change, comparative research, science communication, science attitudes, trust in science

Publication based on the results of: Comparative studies of culture and subjective well-being: differentiation and integration of societies in the context of global challenges (2025)