Trust in science falls as COVID-era confidence fades, global survey finds
The retreat has potentially far-reaching consequences for public health as vaccination rates decline and preventable diseases resurge.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decline in public trust in science, according to the Wellcome Global Monitor, a global survey of attitudes toward science. The survey, which polled over 140,000 adults worldwide, found that trust in science has dropped from 80% in 2020 to 72% in 2025. This trend is most pronounced among people facing financial difficulties.
The drop in trust has potentially serious implications for public health. Vaccination rates are declining, and preventable diseases are resurging. The United States, for instance, is grappling with its worst measles outbreak in three decades, with nearly 3,900 cases reported this year. Additionally, childhood vaccination rates in many communities have fallen below the levels necessary to prevent outbreaks.
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