Trust in scientists in Ireland lower in younger generation, new study

Trust in scientists in Ireland is ahead of global averages, but lower among younger people, according to new research by education experts from Trinity College Dublin. 

The research, part of the global Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) study, found that trust in scientists in Ireland is generally moderate to high, exceeding global averages, but notably lower among younger respondents. 

The findings, according to the authors, suggest a need for targeted science education and communication efforts in Ireland, which emphasise critical thinking skills, promote understanding of the scientific process, and explain the ethical responsibilities of scientists.

The TISP study is the most comprehensive and geographically diverse post-pandemic investigation of public perceptions of scientists. It involves 241 researchers across 68 countries and data from more than 71,000 respondents, including many under-researched countries in the Global South. The sample size for the Irish segment of the study was some 500 people.

While the global study was published in Nature Human Behaviour in January of this year, this new paper, published recently in the journal Irish Educational Studies, provides much more detail about the Irish findings of the study. 

It shows Irish participants expressing moderate to high levels of trust in scientists. This exceeds global averages across key dimensions of trustworthiness, including competence, integrity, benevolence, and openness to feedback.

However, the Irish study also highlighted differences in trust based on age. Adults with the lowest trust in scientists were those in the lowest age-range (18-29). Those with the highest confidence in scientists had a mean age of 48. 

Overall, the findings aligned with many of the global trends, that people were more likely to have higher trust in scientists if they are: women, older, educated, liberal, urban dwelling, with a high income, and see themselves as left-leaning on the political spectrum.

Professor Joseph Roche, School of Education, explained: “Our research sheds light on the complexities of public trust in scientists which is central to evidence-based policymaking. The specific Irish findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of how trust is developed and maintained, particularly within the context of the Irish education system.”

The paper offers recommendations for strengthening the link between science and society in Ireland. It recommends targeted science education and communication initiatives that prioritise critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate misinformation. 

It also calls for science education initiatives that reinforce ‘nature of science’ approaches in education, which help understanding of the scientific process and its limitations and initiatives. Programmes that emphasise the ethical responsibilities of scientists and the importance of transparency and accountability are also recommend, according to the authors. 

Professor Joseph Roche added: "By improving our understanding of how public trust in scientists is earned and maintained, we hope to learn how to better support people in Ireland to make informed decisions on socio-scientific topics and promote a more resilient relationship between science and society."

The paper, ‘Science and society in Ireland: examining public trust in scientists against a global background’, can be viewed on the journal website here. 

Media Contact:

Fiona Tyrrell | Media Relations | tyrrellf@tcd.ie | +353 1 896 3551