UK survey finds perceived shared interests strongly shape trust in scientists
A survey of 4,262 UK adults found 63% expressed high trust in scientists, with perceived shared interests and transparency among the strongest factors.
A study led by King's College London's Policy Institute and Sense about Science found that 63% of 4,262 UK adults rated their trust in scientists at seven or higher on a ten-point scale, while 5% gave a rating of three or lower.
Regression analysis found trust was most strongly associated with whether respondents believed scientists were on the side of people like them and whether scientists were open and transparent.