Jensen, E. A., Jensen, A., Pfleger, A., Kennedy, E. & Greenwood, E. (2021). Has the pandemic changed public attitudes about science? LSE Impact Blog.
The article explores how public attitudes toward science and scientists have evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, as experts and evidence-based approaches took center stage in government responses worldwide. It examines the findings from various countries, revealing that while pandemic responses were often criticized, respect and trust in scientific expertise grew. For instance, in the UK, despite low approval of the government’s pandemic handling, trust in scientists surged, with skepticism in science dropping significantly. Similar trends were seen in Germany, where surveys showed a major increase in trust in scientific institutions like the Robert Koch Institute. The article highlights Ireland’s experience, where the public expressed high confidence in science, with 81% agreeing that scientific evidence should lead government actions on COVID-19. These insights illustrate a renewed public appreciation for science, although responses varied by country.
The analysis extends to North America, where attitudes mirrored those in Europe. In the US and Canada, public skepticism in science declined, with Canadians especially supportive of evidence-led decision-making. Survey results showed that scientific input became a top priority over other concerns, such as economic factors. The article raises a critical question: can this heightened trust in science be sustained post-pandemic? It argues that long-term public confidence may depend on proactive steps to improve science’s transparency, inclusivity, and societal impact. The article posits that this period of strong public support might present an ideal moment for structural reforms, such as open science initiatives and inclusive policies, to solidify trust in science for the challenges ahead.
