Although Confidence in Scientists Remains High, Threats Persist
A global study involving researcher Ricardo Santos from the TERRA Associate Laboratory reveals that trust in scientists remains strong in 68 countries. However, warning signs such as misinformation and perceptions of a lack of independence highlight the need for better communication and greater integration of science with society.
Trust in scientists remains high on a global scale, as revealed by a recent study conducted with the support of 68 countries and involving nearly 72,000 people. Despite the optimism these results may inspire, there are warning signs that cannot be ignored. Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the study, led by Viktoria Cologna (Harvard University) and Niels Mede (University of Zurich), indicates that the average trust index in scientists is 3.62 (on a scale of 1 to 5), a value similar to that observed in Portugal (3.57).
Although the idea of a global crisis in trust towards scientists is refuted, the data reveals significant challenges. Nearly half of the respondents (43%) do not consider scientists to be honest, while 44% believe they are not sufficiently concerned with the well-being of society. Additionally, misinformation is increasingly seen as a growing threat, highlighted in the 2025 Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum as the greatest immediate risk. The coordinator of the survey in Portugal, Ricardo Santos – a researcher at the University of Lisbon and a member of the TERRA Associate Laboratory – notes that “despite the positive numbers, the threats are real. Public trust largely depends on the active engagement of scientists with society and transparency in scientific communication.”
Over 80% of participants emphasized the need for scientists to communicate more effectively with the public and to be directly involved in defining public policies. However, the same study reveals a misalignment between the perceived priorities of science and the desires of society. While the public expects science to focus on public health, renewable energy, and poverty alleviation, there is a growing perception that scientists prioritize areas like military technology and defense.
The TERRA Associate Laboratory reinforces that trust in scientists is a valuable resource that must be preserved. This requires a strategic investment in scientific communication, alignment between the priorities of science and societal needs, and a renewed commitment to transparency and ethics in research. To preserve and strengthen public trust in science, it is essential that scientists, governments, and institutions work together to address these threats.
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