Public Trust in Scientists and Views on Their Role in Policymaking

A majority of Americans say they have confidence in scientists to act in the public’s best interests.

Confidence ratings have moved slightly higher in the last year , marking a shift away from the decline in trust seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Americans are split over scientists’ role in policymaking.

In April 2020 , an 85% majority of Republicans said they had a great deal or fair amount of confidence in scientists, compared with 14% who had little or no confidence.

Overall, White, Black and Hispanic adults express similar levels of confidence.

Asian adults hold the most positive views of scientists across racial and ethnic groups.

Democrats are more likely to assess research scientists positively on their traits and characteristics.

51% of Americans say scientists should take an active role in public policy debates about scientific issues.

Americans are not convinced that scientists make better policy decisions than other people.

Fewer than half of Americans think scientists are usually better than others at making good policy decisions.