Global public trust in science has fallen below pre-pandemic levels, with the decline most pronounced among people facing financial hardship. According to Sina Finance, the Wellcome Global Monitor found that 72% of respondents worldwide in 2025 said they trusted science at least somewhat, down from 80% in 2020 and 77% in 2018.
The share of respondents who said they had high trust in scientists also fell, dropping to 32% in 2025 from 43% in 2020. The survey covered more than 140,000 adults worldwide and was conducted by Wellcome with Gallup and Ipsos.
Among respondents who said they struggled to cover everyday expenses, 20% said they had high trust in science, compared with 39% among those in more comfortable financial circumstances. The survey also found that trust in hospitals and clinics was closely linked to confidence in science.$BTC
The share of respondents who said they had high trust in scientists also fell, dropping to 32% in 2025 from 43% in 2020. The survey covered more than 140,000 adults worldwide and was conducted by Wellcome with Gallup and Ipsos.
Among respondents who said they struggled to cover everyday expenses, 20% said they had high trust in science, compared with 39% among those in more comfortable financial circumstances. The survey also found that trust in hospitals and clinics was closely linked to confidence in science.$BTC