More Americans trust science than global average survey shows

Americans express higher levels of trust in science than people in most other countries, STAT News reported on October 10. According to the latest Wellcome Global Monitor survey of people in 140 countries, 52 percent of Americans say they have a lot of trust in science. That compares to a global average of 26 percent. [1]

The findings come despite deep national divisions over health topics such as the benefits and risks of vaccines, STAT News reported. The survey reveals that 45 percent of Americans report they would want to get vaccines recommended by a nurse or doctor. [1]

Public confidence in healthcare institutions remains lower than overall trust in scientific research. STAT News reported that 40 percent of Americans express a lot of confidence in domestic hospitals and health clinics. This level of confidence matches the proportions recorded in Portugal and Uruguay. [1]

The strong public trust in scientific research aligns with long standing national achievements in scientific fields. Researchers affiliated with institutions in the United States have earned approximately 34 percent of all Nobel Prizes awarded to date. [3]