Americans exhibit a higher level of trust in science compared to individuals in most other nations, a recent survey reveals. The Wellcome Global Monitor, which surveyed participants across 140 countries, found that 52 percent of Americans report having “a lot” of trust in science, significantly higher than the global average of 26 percent.
The survey also highlighted that American eagerness to receive vaccines surpasses that of many other countries. Forty-five percent of Americans expressed a desire to get vaccines recommended by healthcare professionals immediately, in contrast to just 28 percent in Germany.
While global confidence in science has declined—from 42 percent in 2018 to 37 percent in 2025—the proportion of Americans who believe science benefits most people in society has risen from 48 percent to 57 percent during the same period.
Despite these positive trends, the analysis indicates a significant divide within the United States. The gap between religious and non-religious Americans regarding the perceived benefits of science stands at 24 percentage points, far exceeding the five-point average seen in other high-income nations. Additionally, there is a 19-point divide between urban and rural populations on this issue, compared to just three points internationally. Educational attainment further compounds this divide; 47 percent of Americans without four-year degrees believe science benefits the majority, compared to 71 percent of college graduates.
The Wellcome survey, conducted in collaboration with Gallup, has evolved since its funding began in 2018, involving more than 140,000 adults through various methods, including in-person and online interviews. The results are adjusted to accurately reflect the populations of the countries surveyed.
Some experts attribute the high levels of division within the U.S. to Americans’ tendencies to respond more extremely in public opinion surveys. For example, 13 percent of Americans identified as completely anti-vaccine, which is notably higher than the 8 percent reported in Germany. Additionally, the survey indicated a modest increase in the number of religious Americans who recognize the benefits of science—from 46 percent in 2018 to 50 percent in 2025.
Interestingly, there has been a similar uptick among non-college graduates in recognizing science’s advantages, suggesting a growing appreciation among these groups. Those with higher education levels report a significant increase in trust, with 71 percent of college graduates endorsing the benefits of science.
Nonetheless, disparities persist. Trust in science varies greatly depending on geographic and socioeconomic factors, with urban residents often having better access to healthcare and science-related benefits than their rural counterparts. Only 40 percent of Americans reported a high level of confidence in their healthcare system, comparable to figures from Portugal and Uruguay.
Experts noted that political discourse may also contribute to the skepticism surrounding science, particularly given the contrasting views on scientific issues that surfaced during recent political movements. The findings suggest a critical need for scientists to improve their communication with the public. Brian Castrucci, CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, emphasized the importance of engaging meaningfully with communities and fostering a better understanding of science’s everyday relevance.
