Public values scientists but fewer feel informed about science, UK survey finds

The UK public value scientists but fewer people feel informed about scientific research and developments according to a recent survey. The survey marks the first of its kind since 2019, providing ‘a new baseline for attitudes to science in a post-pandemic era’.

Research company Ipsos conducted the survey between February and July 2025 with the British Science Association, on behalf of the funding body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Over 5000 people aged 16 and over responded to the survey, which aimed to gauge the public’s opinion on science, including questions on representation, how people receive science related news and views on topics like artificial intelligence. Most chose to answer the survey online, leading to three times as many responses as in 2019 when the survey was carried out face-to-face.