UK survey finds 63% of adults trust scientists, but trust varies by field

September 11, 2026 at 09:00 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A survey of 4,262 UK adults found 63% trust scientists, scoring 7 or higher on a 0–10 scale. Trust was highest for academics and lowest for scientists in government and private companies. The study by King’s College London and Sense about Science found perceived benevolence and transparency outweighed expertise in driving trust.

Key Facts

63% of 4,262 UK adults surveyed trust scientists, giving a score of 7 or higher on a 0–10 scale.
Only 5% rated their trust in scientists at 3 or below.
The most influential factors for trust were whether scientists are 'on the side of people like them' (21%) and perceived openness and transparency.
Trust declined for scientists working on vaccines, space, and climate compared to academics.
People with low trust in scientists are more likely to believe conspiracy theories about climate change, vaccines, and 5G.

Survey Methodology

The study was led by the Policy Institute at King’s College London and Sense about Science, a London-based charity. Researchers surveyed 4,262 UK adults and used regression modelling to identify factors most strongly associated with trust. The survey measured trust on a 0–10 scale, with 63% of respondents giving a score of 7 or higher. Only 5% of respondents rated their trust at 3 or below.

Drivers of Trust

The most influential factor was whether respondents felt scientists are 'on the side of people like them', accounting for 21% of the association with trust. Perceived openness and transparency of scientists also outweighed perceptions of scientific expertise. Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London, noted that trust was less associated with scientists working for the good of society in general (12%) than with being on the side of people like the respondent (21%). Duffy commented: 'In a politically divided society, people become much more interested in, What’s in it for me?'

Field-Specific Trust

Trust declined for scientists working on vaccines, space, and climate compared to academics. More people had confidence in academics than in scientists working in government and private companies. People with little trust in scientists are more likely to believe conspiracy theories about climate change, vaccines, and the effects of 5G phone towers.