In a time when populist rhetoric and anti-science sentiment dominate global headlines, a landmark international study has found that trust in science remains strong—particularly in Africa.
- Trust in science remains strong globally, especially in Africa
- African nations like Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya rank among the top five globally in public trust in scientists
- Citizens in Africa call for scientists to engage more with the public and be inclusive in their approach
The findings challenge widespread fears of a global crisis in public trust in scientists and call for deeper engagement between scientists and society.
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Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the study was part of the Trust in Science Project (TISP) Many Labs initiative, led by Viktoria Cologna and Niels G. Mede. It included 241 researchers from 169 institutions worldwide and surveyed nearly 72,000 people across 68 countries, including over 6,000 participants from 12 African nations.
African nations rank among the highest for trust in scientists
Contrary to long-held assumptions, the study found that African countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya were among the top five globally in terms of public trust in scientists. This is a clear indication that citizens across the continent value scientific knowledge and integrity.
The African countries involved in the study included:
| Country | Participation Level | Public Trust in Scientists (Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | High | Top 5 |
| Nigeria | High | Top 5 |
| Kenya | High | Top 5 |
| Ghana | Moderate | High |
| South Africa | Moderate | High |
| Uganda | Moderate | High |
| Botswana | Low | Moderate |
| Ethiopia | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cameroon | Low | Moderate |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Low | Moderate |
| Morocco | Low | Moderate |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Low | Moderate |
Citizens want science to solve Real problems
Respondents across all 12 African countries surveyed overwhelmingly agreed that scientists should focus their efforts on addressing practical societal challenges. These include:
| Priority Area | Level of Public Support |
|---|---|
| Public Health | Very High |
| Solving Energy Issues | Very High |
| Reducing Poverty | Very High |
| Defence and Military Technology | Mixed (Relatively High) |
While the rest of the world generally ranked military technology as a low priority for scientific focus, Africans were more inclined to support research in this area, likely due to regional security concerns.
Africans call for scientists to engage more with the public
A striking 83% of global respondents agreed that scientists should communicate more effectively about their work—and Africa echoed this sentiment, particularly in countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda. Citizens are not just asking for transparency; they want science to be inclusive and dialogue-driven.
Interestingly, views varied by country regarding scientists’ involvement in policy advocacy:
| Country | Public Support for Policy Advocacy by Scientists |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | Strong Support |
| Botswana | Strong Support |
| Egypt | Less Support |
| Morocco | Less Support |
| Ethiopia | One-third Sceptical |
Trust in science must be earned—not assumed
Science communication experts have long argued that blind trust is neither realistic nor desirable. Instead, informed trust should be cultivated—through accessible, transparent, and credible communication. Citizens must be able to evaluate the reliability of scientific information and distinguish it from misinformation.
The study also highlighted the lack of inclusion of regions like Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia in previous global surveys. Since trust is shaped by cultural, political, and economic contexts, their inclusion is vital for developing informed science policies globally.
A timely call to action for African scientists and policymakers
The findings offer both reassurance and a wake-up call: while trust in science across Africa is currently strong, it is not guaranteed. It can quickly erode in the face of scandals or misinformation. Therefore, scientists must become more visible, proactive, and engaged with their communities.
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“Africans clearly want scientists to communicate more effectively and engage with society meaningfully,” the study concludes. “This is a call to action not just for researchers, but for science policymakers and funders as well.”
Investing in science communication and public engagement will not only strengthen public trust but also help integrate science more deeply into African societies—where it is evidently wanted, needed, and respected.
