Americans’ Skepticism Toward Scientists Lingers Post-Pandemic: Survey

Decline of trust has also been accompanied by increased public doubt about scientists’ involvement in policymaking, a Pew Research Center survey shows.

Visitors walk past face mask signs along Decatur Street in the French Quarter on July 14, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Americans remain cautious about scientists’ involvement in public policymaking, according to a new survey, which shows that overall trust in scientists has ticked up slightly this year, but it still falls far short of pre-pandemic levels.

The erosion of public trust in scientists in the aftermath of COVID-19 has barely recovered, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late October and published on Nov. 14.