Americans place more trust in science than most of the world, according to a new global survey of over 140 countries, according to the latest Wellcome Global Monitor. The findings reveal a stark contrast in public confidence, with 52 percent of Americans reporting “a lot” of trust in science compared to a global average of 26 percent.
The survey, conducted by Gallup through in-person, telephone, and online interviews with more than 140,000 adults, also shows Americans are more willing to accept vaccines recommended by healthcare professionals. Forty-five percent say they would get such vaccines “right away,” a figure that surpasses Germany’s 28 percent. Despite global declines in belief that science benefits society—from 42 percent in 2018 to 37 percent in 2025—Americans have increased their agreement, rising from 48 percent to 57 percent.
Deep Divides Within America
However, the aggregate numbers mask significant internal divisions. STAT’s analysis of the Wellcome data highlights a 24 percentage point gap between religious and non-religious Americans on whether science benefits society, a disparity far greater than the 5-point difference observed in other high-income nations. Urban and rural Americans also show a 19-point divide on this issue, compared to just three points in peer countries.
Education further amplifies these divides. Only 47 percent of Americans without four-year degrees believe science benefits most people, compared to 71 percent of college graduates. Over the seven-year period from 2018 to 2025, the proportion of religious Americans who see science as beneficial rose by four points, while non-college-educated Americans showed a three-point increase. Both groups, however, remain more likely than similar demographics in other nations to support immediate vaccination.
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Polarization and Public Perception
The survey suggests Americans’ tendency toward extreme responses may explain their polarized views. Matthew Motta, an expert in public opinion research at Boston University, notes that Americans are “more extreme responders to public opinion surveys.” For example, 13 percent of Americans reject vaccines entirely, compared to 8 percent in Germany, where most prefer to deliberate. This polarization does not stem from declining trust among traditionally skeptical groups, according to the report analysis, but from increasing enthusiasm among others.
Highly educated, secular Americans have seen their appreciation for science grow significantly, 13 percentage points for college graduates and 15 points for non-religious individuals over seven years. Yet this growth has not bridged the gap with less trusting communities. Brian Castrucci, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, argues that the benefits of science are not reaching all Americans in tangible ways, leaving some feeling disconnected from its potential impact.
Political Influence and Healthcare Confidence
The Wellcome Global Monitor links trust in science directly to confidence in healthcare systems. Only 40 percent of Americans report “a lot” of confidence in U.S. hospitals and health clinics, the same proportion as in Portugal and Uruguay. This low confidence may stem from systemic challenges within the U.S. healthcare infrastructure, which struggles to provide equitable access across urban and rural areas. Experts suggest that visible healthcare disparities weaken the perceived benefits of scientific advancements among certain communities.
Communication Strategies for Scientists
Brian Castrucci of the de Beaumont Foundation argues that scientific benefits must be communicated in relatable, everyday terms. “People are feeling left behind, they are not understanding how this benefits me,” he states, highlighting the disconnect between research outcomes and community experiences. Mark Henderson, Wellcome’s executive director of corporate affairs and engagement, said scientists who wish to take steps based on the report’s findings should “meet people where they are.” “Approach people on a level with understanding and engagement and respect, and you’re going to get a better outcome,” Henderson added. “It’s not rocket science, but it often surprises me how hard people in the scientific community find it to do that.”
