Confidence in scientists has declined in recent years. According to a new study from VA (Public & Science), this is because of suspicions that research is being controlled by people with vested interests and because of reports of research fraud.
The percentage of people with a high or very high level of confidence in scientists at universities fell from 75 percent in 2009 to 63 percent in 2010 according to the annual VA Barometer. To identify the causes of this decline 1,000 Swedes were interviewed in depth.
Most people with a low level of confidence believe that research is either controlled – by companies, politicians or by scientists’ own interests – or compromised by fraud and irregularities. Many also stated that research lacks substance; it provides inadequate results or is simply unnecessary.
“Collaboration between business and academia is often emphasised as being an important factor for Sweden’s growth and competitiveness. At the same time there is a risk that the public will lose confidence in research that is perceived as being controlled by businesses,” says Karin Hermansson, Research Director at VA (Public & Science) and the person responsible for the study.
Of the people claiming a high level of confidence, half cite the fact that scientists are knowledgeable and committed as the reason for their confidence.
The media plays an important role in shaping how scientists are perceived. 33 percent of people state that they have seen or heard news that has given them a more positive attitude to scientists or research. People mainly mention new discoveries made in medical research.
Only 12 percent of people state that news reports have affected their confidence negatively. Most of the examples they remember are about research fraud or “controlled” research.
“The results show that openness about all aspects of the research process from funding procedures, peer review and regulation is essential. Universities also need to distance themselves more clearly from suspected fraud and irregularities,” says Karin Hermansson.
The study was conducted by VA (Public & Science) with support from Linköping University, Linnæus University, Lund University, Stockholm University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå University, Uppsala University and Örebro University. The interviews were carried out via online surveys by Novus Opinion. The respondents are representative of the Swedish population in terms of gender, age and region.
For more information a presentation in English is available online,read the report in Swedish: Slitsamt förvärvat och snabbt fördärvat? (VA-rapport 2011:1) at www.v-a.se, or contact:
Karin Hermansson, Research Director VA, +46 70 867 66 77, karin(@)v-a.se
VA (Public & Science) is a Swedish association which promotes dialogue and openness between society – especially young people – and researchers. The organisation works to stimulate new forms of dialogue around topics that engage people. VA also researches the relationship between science and society through opinion polls and other studies. There are over 70 members of VA including NGOs, associations, public authorities, institutes, companies, universities and individuals. For more information see www.v-a.se.
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