ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

UK Public Attitudes to Science Survey Reveals Engagement-Confidence Gap

opinion-review · 2026-03-14

A recent Public Attitudes to Science survey funded by UK Research and Innovation indicates that while British public engagement with science has increased, confidence in understanding scientific information has declined. The study, conducted online from February to July 2025 with 5,281 adults, shows that 70% of Britons believe science is important to follow, but only 43% feel informed about it. Trust in government scientists has decreased from 76% to 69% since 2019, and only 36% view the UK as a global leader in science despite its high research output. Younger demographics (16-24) report higher information levels but express more skepticism about science's value. The findings highlight challenges for institutions like the Science Museum Group in fostering public dialogue and transparency.

Key facts

  • 70% of Britons agree science is important to follow, but only 43% feel informed about it
  • Trust in government scientists has fallen from 76% to 69% since 2019
  • Only 36% believe Britain is a world leader in science despite high research rankings
  • Young people aged 16-24 feel more informed (53%) but are less convinced of science's value
  • 13% now believe science does more harm than good, down from 32% in 1988

Entities

Institutions

Locations

  • United Kingdom

Sources