As Sir David Attenborough marks his 100th birthday a new study suggests Britain still trusts scientists more than politicians, or business leaders, on climate and technology – but public confidence is becoming increasingly fragmented.
Research from science communications consultancy Diffusion found Attenborough remains the country’s most trusted voice on scientific and environmental issues with 59% of people saying they trust him.
Professor Brian Cox followed in second place on 44%.
But the findings also expose a wider crisis in public trust as conspiracy theories misinformation and online influencers reshape how people consume science.
The survey of more than 2,000 UK adults found no institution or organisation trusted by a majority of the public.
Scientists and academics ranked highest overall on new developments in science and health technology trusted by 44% of respondents while business leaders scored just 7%.
The political findings were stark.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was trusted by 11% of respondents on science and environmental topics ahead of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband on 6%.
Diffusion said the results highlight how fragmented science communication has become across age groups genders and platforms.
Younger audiences are increasingly turning to online creators rather than traditional institutions for science content, with names such as Physics Girl Dr Becky and Big Manny gaining traction among under 35s.
Ivana Farthing Science Communication Lead at Diffusion warned scientists can no longer afford to stay silent.
She said: “When credible scientific voices step back less credible ones fill the space and the consequences are misinformation oversimplification and eroding public confidence.”
Farthing added: “Whether we like it or not that raises a question on where the next generation of science communicators is going to come from.”
The research suggests the public still wants to engage with science but in more accessible ways.
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