Global trust in science has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping below 2018 levels according to the Wellcome Global Monitor 2026. Released on Sunday at the World Health Organization (WHO) Summit in Berlin, the report represents the largest global study examining public attitudes toward science, surveying over 140,000 people across 140 countries.
Key global trends
- Overall decline: Across countries tracked consistently through all three study waves (2018, 2020, and 2025), the proportion of people expressing at least some trust in science fell from 77% in 2018 to 72% in 2025.
- The pandemic peak: This downward trend follows a temporary surge to 80% during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
- Economic inequality: The steepest drops in trust are concentrated among populations experiencing financial hardship. In 2025, individuals living comfortably were nearly twice as likely to report “a lot” of trust in science (39%) compared to those struggling to get by (20%).
- Institutional drivers: Trust levels closely correlate with broader societal factors, including confidence in public institutions, access to healthcare, quality education, and financial security.
Regional variations & demographics
While global trust has waned, regional and demographic trends vary widely:
Europe: Europe has shown strong resilience. Western and Southern Europe stand out as the only global regions where trust in 2025 remained above 2018 levels, while Northern Europe largely returned to pre-pandemic baselines.
Africa: Trust declined across all three survey waves. In 2025, just 21% of respondents reported “a lot” of trust in science (down from 28% in 2018). Concurrently, “not much” trust rose from 16% to 21%, and “not at all” trust increased from 5% to 9%.
Country snapshots:
South Africa: Public sentiment is heavily divided; while 51% report at least some trust, 39% report “not much” or “not at all” trust.
Kenya: Trust splits sharply by age group. 25% of young adults (aged 15 to 24) trust science “a lot,” compared to only 6% of those aged 65 and older.
Nigeria: Trust sits at 15% for “a lot” of trust in 2025—a slight recovery from 13% in 2020, but still well below the 2018 baseline of 26%. Overall, 57% of Nigerians reported at least some trust in science.
Vaccination attitudes & the path forward
Attitudes toward vaccination remain mixed globally:
- 35% would accept a doctor- or nurse-recommended vaccine immediately.
- 36% prefer to take time to think about it first.
- 24% decline vaccinations entirely.
Commenting on the findings, John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome, emphasized the urgent need for proactive engagement:
“Public trust shapes whether scientific advances can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As the world faces increasing challenges, from infectious diseases to climate change and mental health, science has the potential for shaping a healthier future, but only if people trust that it is a force for good… Trust must be earned through openness, transparency and a willingness to understand and respond to the reality of people’s lives for the benefits of science to be realised.”
Ultimately, the report highlights that while scientific discovery remains essential, science alone is not enough—communicators, researchers, and policymakers must actively bridge the gap between scientific innovation and the lived realities of the public.
