Discovering the Nuances of Public Trust in South African Scientists

In a nation where science has played pivotal roles in addressing challenges like the HIV/AIDS epidemic, climate variability, and the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding public perceptions of scientists is crucial. A groundbreaking study published in the March-April 2026 issue of the South African Journal of Science sheds light on this dynamic. Titled 'Honesty, transparency, and rigour: A study of public trust in scientists in South Africa', the research by Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) team, including lead author Milandré van Lill and Marina Joubert, alongside international collaborators, reveals that South Africans hold moderately high trust in scientists – ranking 23rd out of 68 countries in the global Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) survey.

This trust, however, comes with clear conditions: demands for greater transparency, ethical accountability, effective communication, and equitable distribution of science's benefits. Drawing from 1,027 weighted responses collected in February 2023 as part of the TISP project's massive dataset of over 71,000 participants worldwide, the study provides timely insights post-COVID, when science's visibility peaked but scrutiny intensified.

Key Findings: Moderately High Trust Anchored in the Scientific Method

The core metric – overall trust in scientists – scored a mean of 3.85 on a 5-point scale, indicating moderate to high confidence. South Africans rated scientists highly on competence dimensions like intelligence and qualifications (means around 4.2), but lower on benevolence (3.56) and integrity (3.52), particularly openness and honesty. A striking 77.3% identified the scientific method – rigorous testing, evidence, and peer review – as the best way to discern truth, underscoring faith in process over personalities.

Nearly 79% (78.8%) agreed scientists should communicate directly with the public, and 58% supported their involvement in policymaking, provided they remain politically independent. This reflects a public eager for science to inform decisions on pressing issues like energy crises, public health, and poverty alleviation – priorities mismatched with perceived research focus on defense or industry.

Methodology: Robust Global Comparison with Local Nuance

Leveraging the TISP dataset, a preregistered, multilingual online survey conducted across 68 countries, the SA subsample was weighted for age, gender, and education to represent the adult population. Questions probed general trust ('Scientists can be trusted'), perceptions across benevolence (warmth, good intentions), integrity (honesty, openness), and competence scales, plus roles in society and benefit distribution.

While English-only administration may skew toward urban, educated respondents, findings align with prior DSTI surveys showing 71% confidence in universities and research bodies. This positions SA above global averages but below high-trust African peers like Botswana.

Socio-Demographic Predictors Shaping Trust

Trust varies significantly: women, older adults, higher-educated, higher-income individuals, and those with religious affiliations tend to trust more. Conservative ideologies correlate with slightly lower trust, possibly due to skepticism toward institutions. These patterns highlight the need for tailored science communication strategies in diverse SA society.

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• Gender: Women show higher trust levels across benevolence and integrity.
• Age: Older respondents prioritize competence.
• Education/Income: Positively associated with overall trust.
• Religion: Religious individuals rate benevolence higher.
• Ideology: Right-leaning slightly less trusting.

Equity Concerns: Science for All or the Elite?

A major caveat: while most believe science benefits humanity, many perceive uneven distribution favoring Europe (primary beneficiary) over Africa. In SA, with stark inequalities, this fuels demands for research addressing local needs like load-shedding, unemployment, and disease burdens. The study urges alignment of funding with public priorities to bolster trust. For more on the study, see the full paper at the South African Journal of Science.

Implications for Science Communication in SA Universities

SA institutions like Stellenbosch (home to the SARChI Chair in Science Communication via Imidibaniso Centre), Wits (MSc Science Communication), and UCT are pivotal. The findings reinforce calls for training: programs emphasizing dialogue, transparency, and cultural sensitivity. Post-COVID, scientists gained visibility but must sustain it through public engagement, as per the new DSI Science Engagement Framework.

Universities can lead by integrating sci-comm modules, supporting researcher media training, and fostering community partnerships – turning conditional trust into enduring partnerships.

Post-COVID Context: Resilience Amid Challenges

During COVID, SA scientists like those at NICD and SAMRC built trust via transparent vaccine data and variant detection (Omicron). Yet, misinformation and inequities eroded gains. Earlier DSTI surveys (2022) showed high knowledge of SA research priorities (79% on education), aligning with TISP priorities. Trust held firm, but transparency lapses (e.g., data delays) underscore ongoing needs.

Global Comparisons and African Perspectives

In TISP, SA's 23rd rank outpaces many developed nations, reflecting 'trust in method' amid institutional skepticism. African peers like Nigeria rank higher, possibly due to stronger science-public bonds. Globally, trust averages 3.62; SA's nuanced profile – high competence, conditional warmth – offers lessons for science diplomacy.

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Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook

Authors urge: prioritize public-facing research, fund sci-comm, incentivize engagement. DSI's new policy mandates public interaction, aligning perfectly. Universities should track trust metrics, adapt curricula. With climate threats and health burdens looming, nurturing this trust ensures science drives equitable progress. Read University World News coverage for expert quotes: South Africans back their scientists – with conditions.

Actionable Insights for Researchers and Educators

To build trust:

• Explain methods transparently in accessible language.
• Engage communities via dialogues, not lectures.
• Highlight local benefits, collaborate on priorities.
• Train in ethics, cultural competence.