The relationship between scientific research and public trust is crucial for the effective implementation of evidence-based policies and practices. However, recent trends indicate a growing skepticism towards scientific findings in various sectors of society. Our poll aimed to find insights from our community on their perceived erosion of public trust and its impact on the application of research findings.
Our respondents across various scientific disciplines reported experiencing an erosion of public trust, particularly in fields related to public health, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. This decline is largely attributed to the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, skepticism about vaccines and drug safety, and concerns over industry influence on research. However, not all fields have been equally affected. Some areas, particularly those with less direct public interaction or those demonstrating clear advancements, have managed to maintain or even improve public trust. For example, epidemiology gained recognition during the pandemic, and fields like diabetes treatment have seen stable or improving trust levels due to therapeutic advancements.
When asked “In your opinion, what can be done to build trust with the public?” respondents emphasized the need for clear, accessible, and jargon-free explanations of scientific concepts and findings, leveraging social media, public forums, and direct community engagement to bridge the gap between scientists and the general public. Building transparency in the scientific process is another key theme, with suggestions for greater openness about how research is conducted, funded, and peer-reviewed to demystify science and demonstrate its self-correcting nature.
There’s a strong emphasis on promoting scientific literacy through improved science education at all levels, from elementary school through adulthood, to help the public better understand and critically evaluate scientific information. Addressing misinformation also emerged as a crucial strategy, with many calling for active efforts to counter false claims, especially on social media and in news outlets, including fact-checking and encouraging scientists to engage more directly in public discourse. Relatedly, there’s a push to depoliticize science, separating it from political agendas and maintaining independence from special interests.