Confidence in scientists has slightly increased among Americans since 2023, but it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October.
The organization surveyed 9,593 U.S. adults between Oct. 21-27, asking if they had "a great deal," "a fair amount" or "not too much/none at all" confidence in scientists to act in the public's best interest.
In January 2019, 13% of respondents said they had little or no trust in scientists. By October 2023, that figure grew to 27%.
The latest survey results, published Nov. 14, show that 76% of respondents expressed "a fair amount" of confidence in scientists, 26% indicated "a great deal," and 23% said "not too much/none at all."
A slight majority — 52% — of respondents said communication is not a strength of scientists. However, 65% view research scientists as honest and 71% think they are skilled at teamwork. Americans are divided on whether scientists should engage in policymaking: 51% said they should take an active role in public policy debates about scientific issues, 48% disagreed and 1% did not answer.
Confidence ratings for scientists remain higher than those for journalists, elected officials, business leaders and religious leaders, according to Pew Research Center.