Britain talks trust in science | Reports

Report at a glance

This report has been commissioned by the Wellcome Trust and authored by More In Common.

Published:: 17 April 2026
Strategic programme:: Engagement and advocacy
What's inside:: An exploration of public trust in science in Britain, including: the values and beliefs that shape it; the influence of politics; the impact of Covid-19; where Britons get information; and recommendations for scientists, policymakers and science communicators.
Who this is for:: Policymakers, researchers, research organisations and science communicators
Creative commons:: Creative Commons (CC BY)

More In Common's seven segments model

More In Common has used extensive research into Britons’ core beliefs, values and behaviours to develop a unique segmentation of the British public.

Progressive activists (12 percent of the population)
Incrementalist left (21 percent of the population)
Established liberals (nine percent of the population)
Sceptical scrollers (10 percent of the population)
Rooted patriots (20 percent of the population)
Traditional conservatives (eight percent of the population)
Dissenting disruptors (20 percent of the population)

Summary

In Britain, science and scientists remain widely trusted. 84 percent of people say they trust science at least somewhat; 34 percent trust science ‘a lot’; and only two percent don’t trust science ‘at all’. The UK’s scientific expertise, research institutions and the NHS are shared points of pride and optimism. This is notable at a time when Britons’ faith in many national institutions has collapsed and many feel life in the UK is getting harder.

However, trust in science is not uniform across society and cannot be taken for granted.

Drawing on quantitative and qualitative research, this report outlines how public attitudes to science differ across More in Common’s Seven Segments of Britain. The segments go beyond a left-right political spectrum to reflect deeper differences in how people relate to authority, change, community and the future.

The report finds that trust in science varies significantly by people’s values, worldviews and lived experience. Science and scientists must earn trust through the demonstration of trustworthiness – which includes transparency in how science is funded, carried out and communicated.

The report sets out key recommendations for scientists, scientific organisations, science communicators and policymakers on how to better engage people in different segments of society.

Key findings

Trust in science is connected to optimism about the future

When asked what makes them hopeful about the future, Britons’ most popular answers are medical advances, technology and innovation.
Britons often say things are getting worse, life is too hard and the next generation will have a worse quality of life than the one before. In contrast, science stands out as a domain where progress is visible and real.
Those who are most comfortable and satisfied with their lives are most likely to both trust science and be optimistic for the future.
Trust in science is not sufficient for optimism. Experiences of struggling public services – especially healthcare – can lead some to doubt whether science will improve their lives.

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Most Britons trust science and scientists, but this varies across society

84 percent of Britons say they have at least some trust in science. Only two percent say they do not trust science at all. But trust is not uniform across the population.
Trust in science varies significantly according to values, worldview and segment.
Fewer Britons trust science ‘a lot’ than in the past. In 2020, 63 percent of Britons said they trust science ‘a lot’; now it is 34 percent.
Trust in science and scientists is lower among segments who favour dismantling existing institutions rather than preserving and improving them.
Even among the segments who trust science the least, outright rejection of science remains rare.

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Perceived political and financial influences are the biggest factors in distrust

Around three in ten Britons think science has become too closely associated with political causes.
Over a third of Britons believe scientists’ research agendas and conclusions are ultimately shaped by the interests of their funders.
The pandemic has had a profound impact on Britons’ relationship with science and scientists – but different segments responded in different ways.
While scientists may communicate data objectively and neutrally, they are not representative of the UK population. Two-thirds of scientists polled belong to the two most left-leaning segments.

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Britons feel information overload makes it hard to know what is true

Britons remain more likely to hear about science from traditional media, even with the rise of online media.
Britons are more likely to trust those within scientific institutions, or those they know offline, to deliver accurate scientific information.
Nearly four in ten Britons say there is now too much information available to know what is true about science.
Feeling overwhelmed by too much information is a driver of disengagement with news about science and research. Users of short-form video platforms are more likely to feel ‘information overload’.

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Conclusion

Science remains one of Britain’s most trusted institutions and a rare source of shared optimism. But this must not be taken for granted.

To build, maintain and protect trust, science must demonstrate trustworthiness. Communicating with transparency, making findings accessible and showing how science improves people’s lives are the most powerful actions to take. Outright rejection of science is rare. Where scepticism exists, it is often driven by concerns about political influence and financial interests. Scientists who are perceived to share people’s values and speak with respect are more likely to be trusted to provide accurate information.

People who trust science are more hopeful about the future and more likely to believe the next generation could have a better life. Showing science’s positive impact can help to strengthen the relationship between science and society for the future.