Aussies and Kiwis top the world in trusting scientists
A new global survey has determined that people in Australia and New Zealand have the most trust in scientists out of 113 countries.
The Wellcome Global Monitor surveyed more than 119,000 people aged 15 or older about their views on science during COVID-19 pandemic, finding that public trust in scientists actually increased since the last survey in 2018.
In Australia and New Zealand, 62 percent said they trusted scientists “a lot” compared to 41 percent globally.
The survey also found that trust in doctors and nurses, charity workers, journalists, and national governments increased, while trust in the people living in the same neighbourhood decreased.
With the influx of scientific jargon and knowledge during the pandemic, 48 percent of participants said they had “some” knowledge of science versus only 39 percent in 2018.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust scientists into the spotlight, where they have provided information and guidance affecting the day-to-day lives of billions of people,” said Lara Clements, the associate director of public engagement and campaigns at Wellcome.
“In both 2018 and 2020, we saw a link between people’s perceived knowledge of science and their trust in science. As the pandemic has brought science into more people’s lives, it is perhaps no surprise that people’s trust in science and scientists has risen so much.”
The survey also found differences influenced by the wealth of a country, with participants from high-income regions being more likely to say their government should spend money to help prevent and cure diseases wherever they occur. Meanwhile, those from traditionally middle-income countries were more likely to support government spending on preventing and curing disease only if their country was at risk.
Beth Thomspon, the associate director of policy at Wellcome, said: “This survey highlights a clear willingness and generosity of people in mainly high-income countries to prevent and cure diseases wherever they occur.
“However, since this survey was conducted, stark inequalities in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic have unforgivably left low- and middle-income countries further behind particularly with access to vaccines.
“Although this report provides a snapshot of views in 2020, prior to successful or licenced treatments, it’s vital that we can listen to - and understand - people’s views.”
Importantly, the survey was conducted between August 2020 and February 2021, before the widespread approval of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines.
“Trust has always been intrinsic to public health and success can only be achieved when communities are open to and readily understand the science,” Ms Clements said.
“This vast dataset can offer huge potential to learn how the public relate to science, particularly during this crucial stage of the pandemic.”
Image: Master Steve Rapport (Flickr)