Time to defend science under attack

In an age of “alternative facts” and conspiracy theories, protecting trust in science is crucial.

We live in an age of declining trust in institutions, “alternative facts” and — in some countries at least — the increasing political polarisation of science.

It’s the era of TikTok wellness influencers spruiking miracle cures with no scientific basis; of Florida’s surgeon-general, a COVID vaccine sceptic, ignoring medical science as measles outbreaks riddle the state; and of AI algorithms and snappy sound-bites — rather than reasoned analysis — often shaping the public’s media consumption.

It’s an age in which the epistemic authority of science has been repeatedly challenged by climate science deniers, by anti-vax groups, and by certain politicians promoting conspiracy theories and anti-science views.

There are also a number of powerful sectors with economic interests that run counter to scientific findings, as Naomi Oreskes has written: From the fossil fuels industry to soft drink, fast food and tobacco companies, several of these groups continue to sow doubts about science.

So how have these factors impacted the public’s trust in science? It’s a mixed picture.

A recent large post-COVID survey across 67 countries (currently still in preprint) recently found trust in scientists is high globally, and above the worldwide average in Australia. But globally, there is a discrepancy between the public’s perceived and desired priorities of scientific research.

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer found that 74 percent of people across 28 countries said they trusted scientists. But this was on par with how much they trusted their peers — and 45 percent of the same respondents said scientists did not know how to communicate with people like them.

A Pew Research Centre study released in November 2023 found only 57 percent of Americans thought science had a mostly positive effect on society.

And a UK survey published in 2023 found that although there has been an overall increase in trust since the COVID pandemic, there is also evidence of polarisation of trust.

This polarisation is concerning.

Science has a seminal role to play in tackling many of the world’s key challenges, from climate change, to infectious diseases, to loss of biodiversity. A lack of trust in science — and a lack of understanding of the scientific process —could have significant impacts on how science is used and applied in society, and who gets the benefits.

Produced in collaboration with Australia’s national science agency The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), this 360info special report examines current barriers to trust in science — and potential solutions for maintaining and strengthening this confidence.