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Spain ranks among the top European countries in public trust in scientists, a testament to its longstanding efforts in fostering a dialogue between science and society. A recent international study, which included participation from the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), positions Spain as the seventh country globally with the highest trust in researchers. This study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, surveyed over 71,000 people across 68 countries, revealing widespread confidence in scientists and a strong public desire for their active role in policymaking.

Despite frequent claims about a crisis in trust in science, the study highlights that most people continue to hold scientists in high regard. The findings indicate that 78% of respondents consider scientists qualified, 57% view them as honest, and 56% believe they care about public well-being. Spain, with a confidence level of 3.90 out of 5, stands above the global average of 3.62.

Spain’s leadership in public trust is no coincidence. The country has been a pioneer in advancing social impact and co-creation initiativesscientific collaboration that directly engages citizens and seeks to improve their lives. Spanish sociologists have played a crucial role in these efforts, producing groundbreaking research on how public trust in science is fostered. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spanish researchers demonstrated that while misinformation was frequently tweeted, scientists were more likely to retweet evidence-based or fact-checking content, which ultimately garnered greater engagement.

Public sentiment strongly supports the involvement of scientists in decision-making. The study found that 83% of respondents believe scientists should actively communicate with the public, while 52% advocate for greater scientific participation in policymaking. Only 23% think scientists should avoid taking political stances. These insights align with previous research, which suggests that public trust in science is relatively stable across political and religious divisions in most countries.

However, the study also underscores areas for improvement. A significant portion of the global population—42%—feels that scientists do not adequately consider public opinion when setting research priorities. Respondents prioritized research on public health, energy solutions, and poverty reduction, while military technology was ranked as less relevant.

Spain’s strong public trust in science presents a valuable opportunity for further strengthening the connection between researchers and society. By continuing to promote transparency, accessibility, and public engagement, Spain can solidify its position as a model for scientific communication and trust-building worldwide.

DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

By Mar Joanpere Foraster

DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg