New Zealanders Prioritize Science: Global Survey Reveals Strong Trust in Expert Knowledge

Five years into the COVID pandemic, many people feel uncertain about trusting experts and scientific evidence. However, a recent global survey of over 70,000 individuals from 68 countries shows a different story. This survey, which includes more than 2,000 New Zealanders surveyed in early 2023, reveals that people still hold science in high esteem and want scientists to play a bigger role in shaping policies.

New Zealanders are particularly confident in scientists, ranking ninth among countries worldwide, with Australians very close in fifth place. Interestingly, despite the general sentiment of mistrust towards science in many places, no nation shows a low level of trust in scientific practices.

This comprehensive survey is the largest of its kind since the pandemic and includes voices from countries often left out of previous research. It offers useful insights into how New Zealanders view scientists and their influence on society compared to other nations.

Why Trust in Science Matters

Trust in science affects everyday choices. From deciding whether to vaccinate our kids to evaluating our coffee consumption, these decisions hinge on how much we believe scientific knowledge. If people trust science, they’re more likely to base their choices on facts, which helps tackle major issues like public health and climate change.

For instance, countries with higher trust levels in science were more likely to support public health measures during the pandemic, such as mandatory face masks. Furthermore, individuals who trust science tend to take more active steps to combat climate change.

While skepticism in science is important to keep research honest, governments need public trust to base their policies on solid evidence. Similarly, scientists rely on that trust for support and funding.

Understanding Trust in Science

This new survey builds on existing research that shows New Zealanders generally trust scientists. But what does “trust” actually mean? The survey breaks it down into four components: competence, benevolence, integrity, and openness.

Globally, about 78% believe scientists have the skills to conduct research, while 57% see scientists as honest. However, only 42% believe scientists pay attention to feedback from the public. This information is crucial because it paints a clearer picture of how trust works.

While some may worry about a declining trust in science, it’s essential not to overlook the voices of those skeptical of scientific processes. Strong opinions against science can impact how policies are shaped and how scientific findings are accepted.

Who Trusts Science the Most?

Globally, trust in science tends to be higher among women, older individuals, those with higher education levels, people from urban areas, and those who are politically liberal. However, these trends vary by country. In New Zealand, for instance, religious individuals and those with higher incomes showed more trust in science, while higher education did not seem to play a significant role.

This trend contrasts with the United States, where trust in science can often align with political ideology, particularly around issues like climate change. Nevertheless, overall factors impacting trust in science are complex and shouldn’t be oversimplified.

One significant finding from the research is that those who support social hierarchies often show lower trust in science. This might stem from a belief that scientific inquiry can disrupt existing power structures.

Science’s Role in Society

New Zealanders want scientists to be active in society and politics. Over half of those surveyed believe scientists should engage more in policymaking, share findings with lawmakers, and advocate for certain policies. An impressive 79% agree that scientists should communicate their work to the public.

While there has been some backlash against science during the pandemic, the data reveals that trust remains high in New Zealand. However, this trust must be nurtured. Scientists and research organizations should work hard to maintain openness and integrity, as trust can easily be lost.

The TISP initiative has created a data visualisation dashboard for users to explore and compare this data across different countries.