SPECIAL EUROBAROMETER 557

European citizens’
knowledge and
attitudes towards
science and
technology
EUROBAROMETER REPORT
FIELDWORK: SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2024
 This survey has been requested by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)
and co-ordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication (DGCOMM ‘Media monitoring and
Eurobarometer’ Unit)

This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it
are solely those of the authors.

Project title Eurobarometer 2024 - European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards
science and technology.

Language version EN

Media/Volume PDF Web

Catalogue number KI-01-24-081-EN-N

ISBN 978-92-68-22156-3

DOI 10.2777/6040908

© European Union, 2025

https://www.europa.eu/eurobarometer

Photo credit: Getty Images, Pixabay and Adobe Stock (@weyo, page 122, @Natali, page 154)
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4

Key findings 7

I. Knowledge about science and technology 12

1 . Le ve l of inf or ma t ion a bout a nd unde r s t a nding of s cie nce a nd t e chnology 14
2 . Sour ce s of inf or ma t ion a bout s cie nt if ic a nd t e chnologica l de ve lopme nt s 51
3 . At t it ude s t owa r ds s cie nce a nd t e chnology 63

II. Views on the impacts of science and technology 71

1 . Ove r a ll inf lue nce of s cie nce a nd t e chnology on s ocie t y 72
2 . Ar e a s a f f e ct e d by ne w t e chnologie s 95
3 . Opinion on t he be ne f it s a nd pit f a lls of s cie nce a nd t e chnology 102

III. Views on governance of science and technology 122

1 . Gove r na nce of s cie nce a nd t e chnology 123
2 . Vie ws on r e s pons ible bodie s r e ga r ding s e cur it y in int e r na t iona l r e s e a r ch colla bor a t ion 1 4 7
3 . Public a cce s s t o r e s e a r ch r e s ult s 150

IV. Perceptions of scientists 154

1 . Vie ws on s cie nt is t s 155
2 . Cha r a ct e r is t ics of s cie nt is t s 175

V. Citizens’ engagement in science and technology 205

1 . De s ir e d public involve me nt in de cis ions a bout s cie nce a nd t e chnology 206
2 . Ba r r ie r s t o e nga ge wit h s cie nce a nd t e chnology 237
3 . Pe ople a nd or ga nis a t ions qua lif ie d t o e xpla in t he impa ct of s cie nt if ic a nd t e chnologica l
de ve lopme nt s on s ocie t y 243

VI. Diversity, inclusiveness and social responsibility in science and technology 250
1 . Young pe ople a nd s cie nce a nd t e chnology 251
2 . Inclus ive ne s s a nd s ocia l r e s pons ibilit y in s cie nce a nd t e chnology 261

VII. Views on the use of AI for scientific research 272

Conclusion 283

Technical Specifications TS1

Questionnaire Q1
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Introduction
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Introduction
Investing in research and innovation is investing in Europe’s  Citizens’ engagement in science and technology,
future. It helps Europe to compete globally and preserve its including the preferred level of public involvement in
unique social model. It improves the daily lives of millions decision-making about science and technology,
of people in Europe and around the world, helping to solve current – and ideal - levels of engagement, barriers
some of our biggest societal challenges. to engagement, and views on the best people to
EU support for research and innovation adds value by explain scientific and technological developments on
encouraging cooperation between research teams across society;
countries and disciplines, which is vital in making  Diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility,
breakthrough discoveries. including views on young people and science and
Through its multiannual research and innovation framework technology, the role of science and technology with
programmes, the EU provides funding to: regards to inclusiveness and social responsibility, and
perceptions of gender equality in science and
 strengthen the EU’s position in science; technology.
 strengthen industrial innovation, including
investment in key technologies, greater access to  Views on the use of AI for scientific research,
capital and support for small businesses; including how well-informed people feel about the
benefits and risks of AI, levels of trust in research
 address major social concerns, such as climate conducted with the use of AI and expectations for the
change, sustainable transport and renewable future.
energy;
 ensure technological breakthroughs are developed The survey continues in the tradition of a long line of
into viable products with real commercial potential surveys stretching back to the late 1970s. This includes the
– by building partnerships with industry and following surveys on science and technology:
governments;  EBS 225: Social Values, Science & Technology
 step up international cooperation on research and (2005);
innovation.  EBS 340: Science and Technology (2010);
Horizon Europe, the EU’s major Research and Innovation  EBS 401: Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI),
programme, is the successor to Horizon 2020. It is the EU’s Science and Technology (2013);
key funding programme for research and innovation, with  EBS 516: European citizens’ knowledge and
an indicative budget of €93.5 billion. It aims to tackle attitudes towards science and technology (2021);
climate change, help to achieve the UN’s Sustainable
In order to show trends over time, the report includes trend
Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and
comparisons with the previous Eurobarometer survey
growth.
conducted in 2021.
This Special Eurobarometer report provides an insight into
perceptions of science and technology. The survey covers
the following topics:
 Knowledge about science and technology, including
level of information about and understanding of a
range of scientific facts, sources of information and
overall attitudes towards science and technology;
 Views on the impacts of science and technology,
including its influence on society, the areas likely to
be affected in the future, and the risks and perceived
benefits of new technologies;
 Views on the governance of science and technology,
responsibility for security in international research
collaboration, and attitudes regarding public access
to research results;
 Attitudes towards scientists, including their perceived
characteristics, credibility, and views on the role(s)
that they should play in society;

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Methodology
This survey was carried out by Verian Brussels (formerly Note: In this report, Member States are referred to by their
Kantar Public) in the 27 EU Member States and eight non- official abbreviation, as listed below:
EU countries between 12 September and 10 October 2024. Belgium BE Lithuania LT
A total of 34,207 respondents from different social and
Bulgaria BG Luxembourg LU
demographic groups were interviewed in their mother
tongue. This survey was commissioned by the European Czechia CZ Hungary HU
Commission, Directorate General for Research and
Denmark DK Malta MT
Innovation (DG RTD)
Germany DE Netherlands NL
Throughout the report, results are compared to those from
the 2021 wave, Special Eurobarometer 516. In 2021, due to Estonia EE Austria AT
the impact of COVID-19, in some countries, the
Ireland IE Poland PL
methodology used was Computer-Assisted Web
Interviewing (CAWI). The countries where the methodology Greece EL Portugal PT
differs completely compared to 2021 are Belgium, Czechia,
Spain ES Romania RO
Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal,
Finland, Sweden, and United Kingdom. The countries where France EN Slovenia SI
the methodology differs partially compared to 2021 are Croatia HR Slovakia SK
Denmark, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Slovakia, and
Türkiye. Therefore, evolutions compared to 2021 should be Italy IT Finland FI
interpreted with caution. When possible, results have been Republic of CY* Sweden SE
compared to the Special Eurobarometer 516 mentioned Cyprus*
above. The technical specification annexed to this report
also specifies the differences in methodologies between Latvia LV
2024 and 2021 (see pg. 307). Albania AL North Macedonia MK
The methodology used is that of Eurobarometer surveys as Bosnia and BA Serbia RS
carried out for the Directorate-General for Communication Herzegovina
(“Media monitoring and analysis” Unit).
Montenegro ME Türkiye TR
Kosovo 1 XK The United UK
We would like to thank all respondents in Europe Kingdom
who took the time to take part in this survey.
European Union – weighted average for the EU27
Without their active participation, this survey would 27 Member States of the European Union
not have been possible. * Cyprus as a whole is one of the 27 European Union
Member States. However, the “acquis communautaire” has
been suspended in the part of the country which is not
controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. For
practical reasons, only the interviews carried out in the part
of the country controlled by the government of the Republic
of Cyprus are included in the “CY” category and in the EU27
average.

1
This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line
with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of
independence.

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Key findings

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

The survey covers the 27 EU Member States, as well as eight is currently more than ten billion (42%). These results
European countries outside of the EU. This summary focuses are similar to those seen in 2021, except that
on results for the EU and the 27 Member States. All of the respondents are now more likely to give an incorrect
trend results are based on comparisons with the 2021 answer about the world’s population (+9 pp).
survey.
 When it comes to citizens’ knowledge of the natural and
physical sciences, 83% know that the oxygen we breathe
Eight in ten Europeans feel well informed comes from plants, and 58% know it is false that climate
about environmental problems, while just change is for the most part caused by natural cycles
rather than human activities. While a majority of
over half feel well informed about new
respondents know that it is false that antibiotics kill
scientific discoveries and technological viruses as well as bacteria (53%), fewer know that lasers
developments and about new medical do not work by focusing sound waves (45%).

discoveries. • Since, 2021, there has been a substantial increase

in the proportion of incorrect answers (between
+7pp and +10 pp), for all of these items except for
 Around eight in ten EU citizens (79%) feel well informed
“the oxygen we breathe comes from plants”, where
about environmental problems including climate change,
there has been little change.
while just over half feel well informed about new
scientific discoveries and technological developments  With regards to the last set of scientific fact statements,
(56%) and about new medical discoveries (52%). a majority know it is false that viruses have been
produced in government laboratories to control our
• The proportion that feels ‘very well informed’ is
freedom (54%) and that the cure for cancer exists but is
23% for environmental problems, 11% for
hidden from the public by commercial interests (55%).
scientific discoveries and technological
However, the proportion of incorrect answers has
developments and 10% for new medical
increased since 2021 (+7 pp and +8 pp respectively).
discoveries.
 Respondents are less likely than in 2021 to say they feel Europeans want to learn more about
well informed about new medical discoveries (-15
scientific developments, but often find
percentage points) and new scientific discoveries and
technological developments (-10 pp). science complicated and removed from their
 In the current survey, respondents in the Netherlands, daily lives.
Luxembourg, Denmark and Sweden tend to feel best
informed about these issues, while those in Portugal,  While the majority of Europeans (58%, +4 pp) agree that
Bulgaria and Hungary feel least well informed. they would like to learn more about scientific
developments, over half (53%, +7 pp) agree that science
When respondents are asked their opinion is so complicated that they do not understand much
about it, and more than a third (36%, +3 pp) agree that
about the correctness or falsity of scientific
in their daily life it is not important to know about
facts, incorrect answers have become more science.
prevalent since 2021, including in relation to  Television (61%, -2 pp) is the preferred means to obtain
conspiracy theories. information about developments in science and
technology, followed far behind by online social
networks and blogs (31%, +2 pp), online and printed
 Respondents were presented with statements on
newspapers (19%, -5 pp) and radio, including podcasts
scientific issues, which they were asked to identify as
(17%, +3 pp).
either true or false. Overall, one in ten respondents
(10%) correctly answered more than eight out of ten
questions, almost two in three (64%) gave between five
There is a clear consensus that science and
and eight correct answers, and around one in four (26%) technology have a positive influence on
were able to provide fewer than five correct answers.
society.
 In terms of natural history and geography, a clear
majority of respondents (84%) knows that the  More than eight in ten respondents (83%, -3 pp) think
continents on which we live have been moving for the overall influence of science and technology on
millions of years and will continue to move in the future, society is positive, compared with one in seven (14%, +3
and that human beings as we know them today pp) who say it is negative. More than six in ten
developed from earlier species of animals (67%). Most respondents in every country think the influence is
also say that it is false that the earliest humans lived at positive, led by those in Sweden, Lithuania and Portugal.
the same time as the dinosaurs (68%). Fewer are able
 Respondents are most likely to think that renewable
to say that it is false that the world’s human population
energies (87%), information and communication

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

technology (79%, -3pp) and vaccines and combatting to people themselves to seek out the benefits of new
infectious diseases (77%, -9pp) will have a positive technologies.
effect on our way of life in the next 20 years.
 Almost three-quarters (73%) think the government
 Almost half of all respondents think health and medical should make private companies tackle climate change,
care (47%, no change) will be most affected by research although this proportion has decreased since 2021 (-6
and innovation in the coming years, while 34% (-6 pp) pp). A quarter (25%, +5 pp) say we should leave it to
think it will be the fight against climate change, and 32% private companies to decide whether to tackle climate
(no change) the energy supply. change.
 Two-thirds of respondents (67%, -2 pp) agree that  Respondents are most likely to say that research
science and technology make our lives easier, healthier institutions should be responsible for ensuring research
and more comfortable. security in international collaboration (41%), ahead of
governments (29%) and funding agencies (26%).
 Only a minority of respondents (29%, +3 pp) agree that
thanks to scientific and technological advances, the  Eight in ten Europeans (80%, +1 pp) agree that the
Earth’s natural resources will be inexhaustible, while results of publicly funded research should be freely
almost half (46%, -5 pp) disagree. available online, while just 5% disagree (no change).
 Three in ten respondents (30%, +1 pp) agree that
artificial intelligence and automation will create more
The majority think that scientists should
jobs than they will eliminate, while four in ten disagree intervene in political debate, although there
(40%, no change).
is some scepticism over how much scientists
 The majority of respondents in the EU agree that science
can be trusted.
makes our ways of life change too fast (63%) and that
the applications of science and technology can threaten
 Respondents mostly agree that scientists should
human rights (56%). Agreement with both statements
intervene in political debate to ensure that decisions take
has increased since 2021 (+6 pp and +4 pp,
into account scientific evidence (68%, no change), with
respectively).
fewer agreeing with the opposite statement that
scientists should not intervene in this way (42%, +3 pp).
A majority favour government regulation in
 Half of respondents (50%, no change) agree that we can
science and technology, with decisions
no longer trust scientists to tell the truth about
guided by experts controversial scientific and technological issues because
they depend more and more on money from industry.
 Just over half of respondents (53%, +1 pp) agree that One in five disagree (21%, -1 pp).
we have no option but to trust those governing science
 Just under half of respondents (48%, +3 pp) agree that
and technology.
“scientists only look at very specific issues and do not
 On balance, Europeans think that science and technology consider problems from a wider social perspective”,
should be tightly regulated by the government (54%), while 21% disagree (-4 pp).
although more than four in ten (44%) think it should be
 Just over a third of respondents (35%, +3 pp) agree that
allowed to operate freely in the marketplace like a
“nowadays, the problems we are facing are so complex
business.
that scientists are no longer able to understand them”,
• There has been a slight shift in favour of greater while a slightly larger proportion disagrees (37%, -4 pp).
regulation since the 2021 survey (+4 pp).  Almost half of respondents (48%, -3 pp) disagree that
 Respondents are more likely to think that decisions scientists spend sufficient time meeting people like them
about science and technology should be based primarily to explain their work, with 27% (+4 pp) agreeing.
on the moral and ethical issues concerned (57%, +2 pp)  Just over half of EU citizens (52%) agree that “because
than to say these decisions should be based primarily on of their knowledge, scientists have a power that makes
the potential to make new scientific discoveries and them dangerous”. Agreement has increased since 2021
develop new technologies (41%, -2 pp). (+6 pp), while disagreement has fallen (23%, -6 pp).
 Seven in ten Europeans (70%, -2 pp) say that decisions
about science and technology should be based mainly
on the advice of experts, rather than based mainly on
what the majority of people in a country think (28%, +1
pp).
 More than seven in ten respondents (72%, no change)
think that the government should take responsibility to
ensure that new technologies benefit everyone,
compared with 27%, (no change) who think that it is up

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Europeans mainly associate scientists with  Professional scientists are seen as best qualified to
explain the impact of scientific and technological
positive characteristics, such as intelligence developments on society; specifically, scientists working
and reliability. at a university or government-funded research
organisation (57%, -4 pp) and scientists working in an
 Respondents have a mostly positive view of scientists, industrial or privately funded research organisation
with 89% (no change) saying that “intelligent” describes (39%, -1 pp). Around a quarter (26%, -3 pp) choose
scientists well. More than half of respondents say that general practitioners and specialist doctors as one of the
“reliable” (71%, +3 pp), “honest” (63%, +5 pp) and “‘know categories of people and organisations that are best
best what is good for people” (53%, +6 pp) are qualified to explain these issues.
characteristics that describe scientists well.
Most Europeans think science and
 Fewer respondents see scientists as “bad at
communicating” (43%, +4 pp), “arrogant” (30%, +2 pp), technology should be inclusive but tend to
“narrow minded” (28%, +5 pp), or “immoral” (19%, +3 believe that currently only certain groups of
pp).
the population benefit.
 Asked what qualities they want to see most in scientists,
respondents mention “intelligence” (49%, -1 pp),  Social responsibility is considered important for science
followed by “honesty” (46%, +3 pp), “reliability” (41%, +2 and technology, with 77% of respondents (-1 pp)
pp) and “morality” (35%, +1 pp). agreeing that science and technology should consider
the needs of all groups of people when developing new
Europeans want to be informed about solutions and products.
decisions on science and technology, but the  Around six in ten (61%, +4 pp) agree that science and
majority think decisions should be made by technology could improve everyone's lives, but mostly
improve the lives of people who are already better off;
scientists, engineers and politicians. the majority of respondents in every EU27 country
agrees with this statement.
 The most prevalent view among Europeans is that
“decisions about science and technology should be made  Around two-thirds of respondents (68%, -2 pp) agree
by scientists, engineers and politicians, but that the that science and technology could improve living
public should always be informed” (52%, no change). conditions in less developed countries, but mostly
Around a third (32%, no change) think that the public improve living conditions in well-off countries; the
should be consulted and public opinion should be majority in every country agrees.
seriously considered. Fewer think that the public does  Almost two-thirds (64%, -1 pp) agree that science and
not need to be involved in decisions about science and technology could help improve the environment and
technology (6%, -1 pp) or that public opinion should be tackle climate change, but that they mostly help
the main concern when making decisions about science companies make money; again, the majority in every
and technology (8%, no change). Member State agrees with the statement.
 Respondents are most likely to engage with science and  Science is considered important for young people, with
technology by watching documentaries or reading 61% of respondents (no change) agreeing that science
science and technology related publications, magazines, prepares the younger generation to act as well-informed
books or podcasts (58%, -1 pp) or by talking about citizens. In addition, 68% (-1 pp) agree that thanks to
science and technology issues with family or friends science and technology, there will be more opportunities
(52%, -3 pp). Around three in ten (31%, -2 pp) say they for future generations.
visit science and technology museums.
 Gender equality in the science and technology workforce
 These are also the ways that respondents say they is considered important. Respondents agree that it would
would consider to increase their engagement with help ensure we live in a fairer and more equal society
science and technology in the future: watching (69%, -4 pp) and that gender equality in the science and
documentaries or reading science and technology- technology workforce would improve the outcomes of
related publications, magazines, books or podcasts science and technology (63%, -2 pp). Moreover, a
(43%, -5 pp), talking about science and technology- majority agrees that gender equality in the science and
related issues with family or friends (39%, -7 pp) and technology workforce would improve business profits
visiting science and technology museums (28%, -5 pp). and the economy (55%, -3 pp).
 Asked why they may sometimes find it difficult to • On each of these statements, there has been a
engage with science and technology, respondents most small decrease since 2021 in overall levels of
frequently mention lack of time (40%, -1 pp), lack of agreement, and a sharp decline in “strong”
interest (37%, +3 pp) and lack of knowledge in the field agreement (down 10 or 11 percentage points for
of science and technology (36%, -3 pp). each of the three statements).

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Around one in three EU citizens feel well

informed about the potential benefits and
risks of AI in science.

 Just over a third of EU citizens (37%) feel well informed

about “the potential benefits of using AI in scientific
work”, while the majority (62%) do not feel well
informed.
 A similar proportion (35%) say they feel well informed
about “the potential risks of using AI in scientific work,”
with two-thirds of respondents (64%) saying they do not
feel well informed.
 Just over a third of respondents (38%) say they trust
scientific research and discoveries that are created with
the help of AI, while a quarter (25%) distrust this type of
research, and 35% neither trust nor distrust it. Levels of
trust are highest among respondents in Denmark,
Portugal, Sweden and Malta, and lowest in Romania,
Croatia and Hungary.
 Half of EU citizens (50%) agree that “AI used in science
advances scientific discoveries that will lead to solutions
to major challenges such as climate change and serious
diseases.” One in six respondents disagree (16%).

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

I. Knowledge about science

and technology

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

This report begins with an examination of how well-

informed respondents feel about a range of everyday
activities, including areas related to science and technology.
The chapter then explores respondents' actual knowledge
and understanding of a range of issues, covering science in
a broad sense, including some common conspiracy theories.
It then focuses on sources of information about scientific
and technological developments, assessing which sources
respondents use the most and which they use the least.
The final section of this chapter examines general attitudes
towards science and technology.

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

1. Level of information about and

understanding of science and
technology
Smaller proportions say they feel “very well informed” about
The majority of Europeans feel very or moderately culture and the arts (12%), new scientific discoveries and
well informed about new scientific discoveries and technological developments (11%) and new medical
technological developments discoveries (10%).
Respondents were asked how well informed they felt about There have been some changes since the previous survey
six spheres of activity 2. More than half of Europeans say conducted in 2021 (EBS 516). Respondents are now less
they feel well informed (either “very well” or “moderately likely to say they feel well informed (either “very well” or
well”) about each of the six areas of interest. “moderately well”) about new medical discoveries (-15
EU citizens are most likely to say they feel well informed percentage points) and new scientific discoveries and
about environmental problems including climate change technological developments (-10 pp). Specifically, there has
(79%), while three in four feel well informed about politics been a fall in the proportions that feel “moderately well
(75%). More than six in ten feel well informed about sports informed” about new medical discoveries (-12 pp) and new
news (65%) and culture and the arts (63%). Just over half scientific discoveries and technological developments (-8
feel well informed about new scientific discoveries and pp), while there has been a corresponding rise in the
technological developments (56%) and new medical proportions that feel “poorly informed” (+16 pp and +11 pp
discoveries (52%). respectively).
Less substantial changes can be observed for the other
spheres of activity. Respondents are now more likely than in
More than one in five EU citizens say they are “very well 2021 to say they feel well informed about sports news (+5
informed” about sports news (26%), politics (24%) and pp), while they are slightly less likely to say they feel well
environmental problems (23%). informed about environmental problems (-3 pp) and culture
and the arts (-3 pp).

2
QA1. In everyday life, we have to deal with many different issues, where indicate whether you are … very well informed; moderately well
we feel more or less informed. For each of the following, please informed; poorly informed; don’t know.

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

There is considerable variation between countries in relation Respondents in Portugal are particularly likely to say they
to how well informed people feel about environmental are “poorly informed” about environmental problems (51%),
problems, including climate change. followed by those in Bulgaria (37%) and Hungary (36%).

Among EU Member States, the proportion of respondents Among the non-EU countries surveyed, people are most
who say they are “very well informed” about environmental likely to say they are “very well informed” about
problems including climate change ranges from just 3% in environmental problems in the UK (31%) and Montenegro
Portugal to almost half in Luxembourg (49%), Denmark (23%). Around four in ten respondents say they are “poorly
(47%) and Sweden (45%). informed” about environmental problems in Kosovo (41%)
and Albania (39%).

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Comparing the current survey results with those reported in There are ten EU Member States where the proportion who
2021, there are 15 EU Member States where the proportion say they feel “very well informed” has dropped, with the
of respondents saying they feel “very well informed” about most notable shift in Portugal (3%, -18 pp).
environmental problems, including tackling climate change,
has increased, with increases of more than ten percentage
points seen in Sweden (45%, +20 percentage points),
Denmark (47%, +15 pp), Luxembourg (49%, +14 pp), the
Netherlands (38%, +13 pp), Latvia (21%, +13 pp) and
Finland (29%, +12 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

notable increase in the proportion of respondents who say
they feel “very well informed” about environmental
problems in Montenegro (23%, +15 pp) and in the UK (31%,
+11 pp). The proportion has fallen substantially in Türkiye
(15%, -14 pp).

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Variation between EU Member States is less marked in By contrast, less than a third of respondents feel “poorly
relation to how well informed people feel about new informed” in Denmark (30%), Luxembourg (31%) and in the
medical discoveries. Netherlands and Sweden (both 32%).

Relative to the EU average of 10%, respondents are most Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion of
likely to say they feel “very well informed” about new respondents who say they are “very well informed” about
medical discoveries in Denmark (23%), Luxembourg (19%) new medical discoveries ranges from just 4% in Serbia to
and Sweden (18%), while they are least likely to say they 20% in Montenegro. The proportion of respondents saying
are “very well informed” in Portugal (2%) and in Bulgaria, they are “poorly informed” about new medical discoveries is
Italy and Hungary (all 3%). Respondents are particularly highest in Serbia (61%) and North Macedonia (55%).
likely to say they feel “poorly informed” about new medical
discoveries in Portugal (77%), Hungary (70%) and in
Bulgaria and Italy (both 66%).

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the current survey results with those reported in There are 15 EU Member States where the proportion who
2021, there are seven EU Member States where the say they feel “very well informed” has dropped, with the
proportion of respondents who say they feel “very well most notable declines in Spain (13%, -7 pp), Romania (4%,
informed” about new medical discoveries has increased, -6 pp), Malta (10%, -6 pp) and Portugal (2%, -6 pp).
with the largest increases seen in Sweden (18%, +8 pp) and
the Netherlands (14%, +7 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, Montenegro again

shows a notable increase in the proportion of respondents
saying they feel “very well informed” (20%, +13 pp), while
there has been a decrease in Türkiye (9%, -8pp).

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

The level of variation between EU Member States in relation The EU Member States where respondents are most likely
to how well informed people feel about new scientific to say they are “poorly informed” are Portugal (71%) and
discoveries and technological developments is similar Hungary and Bulgaria (both 62%).
to that seen in relation to new medical discoveries.
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion of
Respondents in Denmark (26%), Luxembourg (25%) and respondents who say they are “very well informed” about
Sweden (20%) are the most likely to say they are “very well new scientific discoveries and technological developments
informed”, while those in Portugal (2%) and in Bulgaria, Italy ranges from just 3% in Serbia to 19% in Montenegro.
and Hungary (all 4%) are the least likely to feel “very well Respondents in Serbia (57%) are particularly likely to say
informed”. they are “poorly informed” about new scientific discoveries
and technological developments.

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the current results with those reported in 2021, Among the 17 EU Member States where the proportion who
there are nine EU Member States where the proportion of say they feel “very well informed” has dropped, the most
respondents who say they feel “very well informed” about notable change is in Portugal (2%, -8 pp).
new scientific discoveries and technological developments
has increased, with the most notable shifts in Denmark
(26%, +6 pp) and Luxembourg (25%, +6 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the most notable

changes are again in Montenegro, where the proportion of
respondents saying they feel “very well informed” about
new scientific discoveries and technological discoveries has
increased (19%, +13 pp); and in Türkiye, where there has
been a marked decline (12%, -12 pp).

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Socio-demographic table

21
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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

This section of the report explores people’s actual This section examines the four statements that relate to
knowledge and understanding of science. This was natural history, demographics and geography. The four
conducted using a ‘quiz’ format, in which respondents were statements were:
given a set of ten statements – some true and others false
 “The earliest humans lived at the same time as the
– and were asked to say whether they believed each
dinosaurs” (FALSE);
statement to be true or false 3. The results are grouped into
three broad topic areas: natural history, demographics and  “The continents on which we live have been moving for
geography; the natural and physical sciences; and common
millions of years and will continue to move in the future”
(TRUE);
conspiracy theories. A final section then examines the total
number of correct answers given, in order to summarise  “The world’s human population is currently more than 10
respondents’ knowledge and understanding of scientific billion” (FALSE);
issues.  “Human beings, as we know them today, developed from
earlier species of animals” (TRUE).
For each statement, respondents were offered a ‘don’t
know’ option (the “don’t know” answer option was read out
loud in face-to-face interviewing).

3
QA17. For each of the following statements, please indicate whether you
believe them to be true or false. If you don't know, you can indicate so.

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Of the four questions, respondents are most likely to be able Just over one in four respondents (27%, +4 pp) incorrectly
to correctly say that it is true that “the continents on identify this as false, with a small proportion (6%, -4 pp)
which we live have been moving for millions of years unable to say if this statement is true or false. There is
and will continue to move in the future”. More than limited awareness of the world’s current population: just
eight in ten EU citizens (84%, + 2 percentage points since over two-fifths (42%, -1 pp) of respondents correctly say
2021) correctly say that this statement is true. Just one in that it is false that “the world’s human population is
ten respondents (10%, +1 pp) incorrectly say that it is false, currently more than 10 billion”. A slightly higher
with 6% (-3 pp) unable to say if it is true or false. Around proportion (46%, +9 pp) incorrectly identify it as true, with
two-thirds of respondents (68%) correctly say that it is false around one in eight (12%, -8 pp) unable to say if it is true
that “the earliest humans lived at the same time as or false. The main change since the 2021 survey is that
the dinosaurs” (+2 pp). Almost one in four respondents respondents are now more likely to say incorrectly that it is
(23%, +3 pp) incorrectly say this is true. Around one in ten true that “the world’s human population is currently more
respondents (9%, -5 pp) say they don’t know whether the than 10 billion” (+9 pp).
statement is true or false.
Since the 2021 survey, all statements have seen a fall in
Two-thirds of Europeans (67%, no change) correctly say it the proportion of “don’t know” answers.
is true that “human beings, as we know them today,
developed from earlier species of animals”.

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 25 out of 27 Member States, more than half of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion of
respondents correctly say that it is false that “the earliest respondents who correctly say that it is false that the
humans lived at the same time as the dinosaurs”. earliest humans lived at the same time as the dinosaurs is
highest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia (both 66%),
Respondents are most likely to correctly say that it is false with less than half of respondents giving a correct answer
that the earliest humans lived at the same time as the in Montenegro (45%) and Albania (47%). Montenegro has a
dinosaurs in Sweden (91%), the Netherlands (81%) and notably high proportion of respondents (53%) who think this
Luxembourg (80%). Less than half of respondents correctly statement is true.
say this is false in Bulgaria (43%) and Greece (45%). In
Greece, a particularly high proportion (40%) incorrectly say
that this statement is true.

24
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the findings with those from 2021, there are 17 Among the ten EU Member States where the proportion who
EU Member States where the proportion of respondents who correctly say this statement is false has dropped, the most
correctly say that it is false that the earliest humans lived notable decreases are in Portugal (56%, -16 pp), Belgium
at the same time as the dinosaurs has increased, with the (71%, -11 pp) and Czechia (72%, -10 pp).
most notable shifts in Malta (77%, +17 pp), Slovenia (71%,
+14 pp) and Romania (58%, +13 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there are three

countries where there has been a sharp rise in the
proportion of respondents who correctly say that it is false
that the earliest humans lived at the same time as the
dinosaurs: Albania (47%, +21 pp), Kosovo (54%, +20 pp)
and Türkiye (59%, +17 pp). The proportion has fallen most
strongly in Montenegro (45%, -15 pp).

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 25 out of 27 EU Member States, at least half of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in the
respondents correctly say that it is true that “human UK (78%) are most likely to correctly say that it is true that
beings, as we know them today, developed from human beings developed from earlier species of animals,
earlier species of animals”. while those in Kosovo (30%), Türkiye (39%) and Bosnia and
Herzegovina (40%) are the least likely to say this.
Respondents are most likely to correctly say that human
beings developed from earlier species of animals in Sweden
(88%) Denmark (85%) and Spain (79%). Less than half of
respondents correctly say that this is true in Cyprus and
Slovakia (both 46%).

26
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the current survey findings with those of 2021, The most notable changes can be seen in Greece (60%, +12
there are 15 EU Member States where the proportion of pp), Latvia (50%, +11 pp), Slovenia (65%, +10 pp) and
respondents correctly saying that it is true that human Slovakia (46%, +10 pp). Among the 11 EU Member States
beings developed from earlier species of animals has where the proportion who correctly say this statement is
increased. true has dropped, the most notable decreases can be seen
in Malta (54%, -20 pp) and Luxembourg (16%, -13 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the most notable

changes are the large increases in correct answers seen in
Montenegro (57%, +17 pp) and Albania (60%, +11 pp).

27
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 15 EU Member States, a majority of respondents correctly Among the non-EU countries surveyed, more than half of
say it is false that “the world’s human population is respondents in Serbia (55%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina
currently more than 10 billion”. In 11 EU Member States, (53%) correctly say it is false that the world’s human
the majority view is that this statement is true, while there population is more than 10 billion, while those in Türkiye
is an equal split of “true” and “false” responses in France. (28%) are least likely to give a correct answer.

Respondents are most likely to correctly say that it is false

that the world’s population is more than 10 billion in
Luxembourg (65%), Slovenia (54%) and Germany (53%),
with the lowest proportions of correct answers given in
Portugal (15%), Spain (25%) and Malta (30%).

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 13 EU countries, there has been an increase since 2021 There has been a decrease in 12 EU countries, most notably
in the proportion that correctly says it is false that the in Czechia (36%, -24 pp), Portugal (15%, -19 pp), Estonia
world’s population is more than 10 billion. The largest (45%, -17 pp) and Belgium (37%, -14 pp).
increases can be observed in Cyprus (42%, +18 pp) and
Romania (47%, +11 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in correct answers in Albania (45%, +22 pp),
Montenegro (43%, +12 pp) and Kosovo (42%, +11 pp). The
largest decrease can be seen in Türkiye (28%, -10 pp).

29
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

The majority of respondents across all EU Member States Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion of
correctly say that it is true that “the continents on which respondents that answer correctly ranges from 87% in the
we live have been moving for millions of years and UK and 84% in Türkiye, to 59% in Kosovo.
will continue to move in the future.”

There are four EU Member States where more than nine in

ten respondents correctly say that it is true that continents
have been moving for millions of years and will continue to
do so: Sweden (96%), the Netherlands (93%) and Denmark
and Luxembourg (both 91%). The lowest proportions are in
Romania (64%), Cyprus (69%) and Bulgaria (70%).

30
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing current survey findings with those of 2021, there Among the ten EU Member States where the proportion who
are 14 EU Member States where the proportion of correctly say this statement is true has dropped, the most
respondents correctly saying that it is true that continents notable changes are in Ireland (81%, -10pp), Belgium (82%,
have been moving for millions of years and will continue to -8 pp) and Portugal (78%, -8 pp).
do so has increased, with the most notable shifts in Italy
(84%, +8 pp) and Finland (90%, +6 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there have been

large increases in the proportions giving a correct answer in
Kosovo (59%, +24 pp), Albania (77%, +23 pp) and North
Macedonia (75%, +15 pp).

31
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Socio-demographic table

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

This section focuses on four statements that relate to Less than one in ten respondents (8%, -5 pp) are unable to
knowledge of the natural and physical sciences: say if it is true or false.

 “Antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria” (FALSE); Less than half of respondents correctly say it is false that
 “The oxygen we breathe comes from plants” (TRUE); “lasers work by focusing sound waves” (45%, +3 pp).
More than a third of respondents (36%, +10 pp) incorrectly
 “Lasers work by focusing sound waves” (FALSE);
think that this is true, while one in five respondents (19%, -
 “Climate change is for the most part caused by natural 13 pp) are unable to give an answer.
cycles rather than human activities” (FALSE).
Since 2021, there has been a notable increase in the
Across the four statements, respondents are most likely to
proportion of incorrect answers. Respondents are now more
correctly say it is true that “the oxygen we breathe comes
likely to say that “climate change is for the most part caused
from plants” (83%, +1 percentage point since 2021). One by natural cycles rather than human activities” (+9
in seven respondents (14%, +1 pp) incorrectly say that it is percentage points), while the proportion correctly saying this
false. A very small minority (3%, -2 pp) are unable to say if is false has decreased (-7 pp). There has also been an
it is true or false. increase in the proportion that incorrectly say that it is true
that “antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria” (+7 pp); and
Almost six in ten respondents (58%, -7 pp) correctly say it
in the proportion incorrectly saying it is true that “lasers
is false that “climate change is for the most part
work by focusing sound waves” (+10 pp). On this last
caused by natural cycles rather than human
statement, there has been a notable fall in the proportion of
activities”. More than a third of respondents (35%, +9 pp)
“don’t know” responses (-13 pp).
incorrectly say that the statement is true. Less than one in
ten (7%, -2 pp) are unable to say whether it is true or false.

Over half of EU citizens (53%, -2 pp) correctly say it is false

that “antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria”. Four
in ten respondents (39%, +7 pp) incorrectly think that the
statement is true.

33
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

At least seven in ten respondents in every EU Member State Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
correctly say it is true that “the oxygen we breathe comes Albania (93%) are most likely to say correctly that it is true
from plants.” that the oxygen we breathe come from plants. The lowest
proportion can be seen among respondents in Bosnia and
The proportion of respondents correctly saying that it is true Herzegovina (79%).
that the oxygen we breathe comes from plants ranges from
97% in Slovenia and 93% in both Finland and Latvia, to 71%
in Romania and 75% in Belgium.

34
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the current results with those from 2021, there There are just four EU Member States where the proportion
are 19 EU Member States where the proportion of who correctly say this statement is true has dropped, with
respondents who correctly say it is true that the oxygen we the most notable shift in Cyprus (76%, -10 pp).
breathe comes from plants has increased. The most notable
changes can be observed in Austria (91%, +10 pp) and
Portugal (91%, +7 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increase

in the proportion of correct answers can be seen in Albania
(93%, +41 pp), followed by Kosovo (87%, +16 pp). The
largest decrease can be seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(79%, -8 pp).

35
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 21 out of 27 EU Member States, the majority of Among the non-EU countries, respondents in the UK (58%),
respondents correctly say it is false that “climate change Serbia (57%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (55%) are most
is for the most part caused by natural cycles rather likely to correctly say it is false that climate change is for
than human activities.” In the other six Member States, the most part caused by natural cycles rather than human
respondents are more likely to say this statement is true activities. By contrast, a majority of respondents incorrectly
than say it is false. say this statement is true in Türkiye (64%) and Montenegro
(59%).
Respondents in Finland (80%), the Netherlands (78%) and
Malta (72%) are most likely to correctly say it is false that
climate change is for the most part caused by natural cycles
rather than human activities. By contrast, more than half of
respondents incorrectly say this statement is true in Poland
(52%) and in Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary (all 51%).

36
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In six EU Member States, there has been an increase since There are 19 EU countries where the proportion of correct
2021 in the proportions that correctly say it is false that answers has fallen. This includes some large decreases in
“climate change is for the most part caused by natural Portugal (57%, -27 pp), Ireland (59%, -18 pp), Czechia
cycles rather than human activities.” The largest increases (41%, -17 pp) and Estonia (43%, -14 pp).
can be seen in Finland (80%, +8 pp) and Sweden (71%, +7
pp).

In the non-EU countries, the proportion of correct answers

has increased substantially in Albania (53%, +31 pp) and
Kosovo (45%, +10 pp), while there have been large
decreases in Türkiye (34%, -21 pp) and Montenegro (40%, -
14 pp).

37
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 13 EU Member States, the majority of respondents Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the UK is the only
correctly say it is false that “antibiotics kill viruses as country where the majority correctly say it is false that
well as bacteria.” However, in the other 14 Member States, “antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria” (51%). Less than
the majority view is that this statement is true. a quarter of respondents correctly say the statement is
false in Kosovo (14%) and Albania (20%).
Respondents in Sweden (81%) are most likely to correctly
say it is false that antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria,
followed by those in Finland and the Netherlands (both
72%). The lowest proportions of respondents correctly
saying this is false are in Greece (23%), Cyprus (31%) and
Bulgaria (32%).

38
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the results with those from 2021, there are nine Among the 16 EU Member States where the proportion of
EU Member States where the proportion of respondents correct answers has dropped, there have been some large
correctly saying it is false that antibiotics kill viruses as well decreases in Portugal (40%, -31 pp), Czechia (44%, -29 pp),
as bacteria has increased. The largest increases can be Belgium (55%, -28 pp) and Ireland (56%, -21 pp).
observed in Cyprus (31%, +11 pp) and Bulgaria (32%, +10
pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there have been

large falls in the proportion of correct answers in the UK
(51%, -20 pp) and Montenegro (26%, -15 pp).

39
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

There are seven EU countries where more than half of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the UK (52%) and
respondents correctly say that it is false that “lasers work Serbia (46%) are the only ones where a majority of
by focusing on sound waves”. The highest proportions respondents correctly say it is false that lasers work by
giving a correct answer can be seen in Sweden (69%), the focusing on sound waves. The countries with the lowest
Netherlands (62%) and in Luxembourg and Slovenia (both proportion of respondents correctly saying this is false are
60%). The lowest proportions are reported in Bulgaria Kosovo (23%) and Montenegro (27%).
(25%), Greece (31%) and Portugal (33%). The proportion of
‘don’t know’ responses is particularly high in Lithuania
(37%) and Portugal (36%).

40
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Comparing the current results with the 2021 findings, there Among the seven EU Member States where the proportion
are 20 EU Member States where the proportion of who correctly say this statement is false has dropped, the
respondents who correctly say it is false that lasers work by most notable changes are in Portugal (33%, -19 pp) and
focusing on soundwaves has increased, with the most Czechia (45%, -18 pp).
notable increases in Malta (57%, +20 pp), Cyprus (39%, +17
pp), Romania (44%, +16 p) and Sweden (69%, +16 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the most notable

change is in Türkiye, where the proportion of respondents
who correctly say it is false that lasers work by focusing on
soundwaves has increased (39%, +16 pp).

41
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Socio-demographic table

42
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

The final part of this section looks at two statements A similar proportion of respondents (54%, -1 pp) correctly
examining belief in conspiracy theories: say it is false that “viruses have been produced in
government laboratories to control our freedom”.
 “The cure for cancer exists but is hidden from the public
Around one in three respondents (35%, +7 pp) think
by commercial interests” (FALSE);
incorrectly that this is true. Around one in ten respondents
 “Viruses have been produced in government laboratories (11%, -6 pp) do not know whether it is true or false.
to control our freedom” (FALSE).
On both statements, there has been an increase since 2021
Over half of EU citizens (55%, -1 percentage point since
in the proportion saying incorrectly that the statement is
2021) correctly say it is false that “the cure for cancer
true, and a fall in the proportion of “don’t know” answers.
exists but is hidden from the public by commercial
interests”. One in three respondents (34%, +8 pp)
incorrectly say that this is true. Around one in ten (11%, -7
pp) is unable to say whether it is true or false.

43
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

There are 20 EU Member States where the majority of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the UK (57%) is the
respondents correctly say that it is false that “the cure for only one where a majority of respondents correctly say it is
cancer exists but is hidden from the public by false that a cancer cure exists but is hidden from the public
commercial interests”. In the other seven Member States, by commercial interests. By contrast, no more than one in
the majority view is that this statement is true. five respondents say it is false in Kosovo (18%), Albania
(19%) and North Macedonia (20%).
In four EU Member States, more than three-quarters of
respondents correctly say it is false that a cancer cure exists
but is hidden from the public by commercial interests:
Sweden (86%), Denmark (83%) and Finland and the
Netherlands (both 78%). By contrast, less than a third of
respondents say the statement is false in Bulgaria (25%),
Cyprus (26%) and Greece (31%).

44
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 13 EU Member States, there has been an increase since There has been a decrease in 11 EU countries, most notably
2021 in the proportions that correctly say it is false that “the in Ireland (49%, -16 pp), Luxembourg (54%, -13 pp) and
cure for cancer exists but is hidden from the public by Spain (46%, -13 pp).
commercial interests.” The largest increases can be seen in
Slovakia (52%, +10 pp) and Malta (48%, +10 pp).

Among the non-EU countries, the largest increase in the

proportion of correct answers can be seen in Montenegro
(35%, +12 pp). However, there have been large decreases
in the UK (57%, -14 pp) and Albania (19%, -10 pp).

45
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

There are 18 EU Member States where the majority of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, only in the UK do a
respondents correctly say that it is false that “viruses have majority correctly say it is false that viruses have been
been produced in government laboratories to control produced in government laboratories to control our freedom
our freedom”. In the other nine Member States, (54%). Only around one in five respondents give a correct
respondents are more likely to say this statement is true answer in Albania (19%) and North Macedonia (21%).
than to say it is false.

Respondents in Sweden (83%), Denmark (82%) and the

Netherlands (76%) are most likely to correctly say it is false
that viruses have been produced in government laboratories
to control our freedom. The lowest proportions giving the
correct answer can be found in Portugal (23%), Bulgaria
(24%) and Spain (31%).

46
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

In 14 EU Member States, there has been an increase since The proportion of correct answers has decreased in 12 EU
2021 in the proportions correctly saying it is false that countries, most notably in Portugal (23%, -27 pp), Belgium
“viruses have been produced in government laboratories to (57%, -17 pp), Ireland (56%, -17 pp) and Luxembourg (53%,
control our freedom.” The largest increases can be seen in -13 pp).
Malta (60%, +25 pp), Slovakia (61%, +17 pp), Slovenia
(50%, +14 pp) and Romania (43%, +12 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increase

in the proportion of correct answers can be seen in
Montenegro (35%, +13 pp), while the largest decrease can
be seen in the UK (54%, -15 pp).

47
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Socio-demographic table

48
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

This section presents an overview of the number of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents are
correct and incorrect answers given by respondents most likely to be able to give more than eight correct
across all ten ‘quiz’ questions that were included in the answers in the UK (13%). Respondents in Kosovo (67%) and
survey. Albania (52%) are most likely to give fewer than five correct
answers.
One in ten Europeans (10%) answered more than eight out
of ten questions correctly, while almost two in three (64%) It is not possible to compare these overall numbers with the
gave between five and eight correct answers, and around 2021 survey, as the number of ‘quiz’ questions has changed
one in four (26%) were correct with fewer than five of their (11 in 2021, 10 in 2024).
answers.
In the EU, respondents are most likely to be able to give
more than eight correct answers in Sweden (26%), Denmark
(22%) and in the Netherlands and Finland (both 19%). The
countries where respondents are most likely to give fewer
than five correct answers are Cyprus and Bulgaria (both
55%) and Greece (51%).

49
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Socio-demographic table

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

2. Sources of information about

scientific and technological
developments
Television is the most widely used information
source for developments in science and technology
Respondents were offered a list of different sources of One in ten EU citizens say that they use online
information that may be used to find out about encyclopaedias (10%, -3 pp), while less than one in ten use
developments in science and technology and were asked to online or printed magazines (9%, no change), online or
choose the two main sources that they use 4. printed scientific journals (8%, -2 pp) and books, either in
print or e-books (6%, -1 pp).
Around six in ten Europeans say they that television, either
via a TV set or via the internet, is one of their two main A small proportion of respondents (5%, +2 pp) say
sources of information (61%, -2 percentage points since spontaneously that they do not look for information about
2021). This is the most widely used source, well ahead of developments in science and technology.
online social networks and blogs (31%, +2 pp). Around one
in five (19%, -5 pp) use online or printed newspapers, and a
slightly smaller proportion use radio, including podcasts
(17%, +3 pp).

4
QA2a. Of the following list of sources of information about developments
in science and technology, please choose the two main sources that
you use (watch, read, or listen) the most. (MAX. 2 ANSWERS)

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 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology

Television is the most commonly used source of Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in the
information about developments in science and technology UK (16%) are most likely to use radio, including podcasts as
in 23 EU Member States, and it also ranks joint highest in a main source of information, while the lowest proportions
Latvia. are among those in Albania (1%) and Kosovo (3%).

Respondents are most likely to say television is one of their The analysis now looks at the remaining sources that can be
two main sources in Portugal (75%), Bulgaria and Italy (both used for information about developments in science and
69%) and in Hungary (68%). Respondents are least likely to technology.
mention television as a main source of information about
The proportion of respondents in EU countries using online
developments in science and technology in the Netherlands
encyclopaedias as one of their two main sources of
(46%), Luxembourg (47%) and in Cyprus and Austria (both
information ranges from a high of 27% in Greece and 24%
48%).
in Latvia, to a low of 4% in both Spain and Portugal. In non-
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents are EU countries, the proportions range from 15% in the UK to
most likely to mention television as a main source of 5% in Albania.
information about developments in science and technology
In the EU, magazines, either online or in print are
in Albania (69%), Türkiye (67%) and Serbia (66%), while it
mentioned most frequently by respondents in Sweden
is mentioned least frequently by respondents in the UK
(15%), Belgium (14%) and Germany (13%), and least
(57%).
frequently by those in Bulgaria (2%) and in Spain and
Using online social networks and blogs is the most Portugal (both 4%). In non-EU countries, the proportions
widely mentioned source of information in two EU Member range from 8% in both Montenegro and Bosnia and
States: Cyprus (57%) and Malta (51%). It also ranks joint Herzegovina, to 2% in Albania.
highest in Latvia (53%). By contrast, less than a quarter of
Finland (22%) is the EU Member State with the highest
respondents mention this as a main source of information
proportion of respondents using scientific journals as one
about developments in science and technology in Portugal
of their two main sources of information. This is followed by
(21%), Italy (23%) and Belgium (24%).
Luxembourg (16%) and Denmark (15%), while the lowest
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, online social proportions can be seen in Bulgaria (2%) and in Cyprus and
networks and blogs is the most frequently mentioned Czechia (both 4%). In non-EU countries, proportions range
information source in Kosovo (65%) and is also mentioned from a high of 10% in the UK to a low of 2% in Albania.
by more than half of respondents in Albania (64%) and
Within the EU, the use of books, either in print or e-
Montenegro (56%). The lowest proportions can be seen in
Serbia (34%) and Türkiye (41%). books is most widespread in Luxembourg (10%) and in
Austria and the Netherlands (both 8%). It is least widely
Among EU countries, the proportion of respondents mentioned as a source of information by respondents in
mentioning newspapers (either online or in print) is Cyprus and Portugal (both 3%).
highest in the Netherlands (55%), where it is the most
frequently mentioned information source. The proportions In non-EU countries, respondents in the UK (9%) are most
mentioning newspapers as a main information source are likely to mention books as an information source, while
also relatively high in Sweden (43%) and Finland (38%). In those in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia (5%)
five Member States, less than one in ten respondents are least likely to do so.
mention this as a main source of information: Romania and
Poland (both 5%), Hungary (8%) and Bulgaria and Cyprus
(both 9%).
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in the
UK and Serbia (both 24%) are most likely to use newspapers
as a main source of information, while those in Albania (4%)
and North Macedonia (5%) are least likely to do so.
In the EU, radio, including podcasts is mentioned most
frequently as a main information source by respondents in
Sweden (29%), Denmark (27%) and Malta (25%). By
contrast, less than one in ten respondents mention this as a
main source of information in Portugal (6%), Greece (8%)
and in Italy and Romania (both 9%).

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Comparing the results with the 2021 survey, there have In the non-EU countries, the largest shift is a six-point
been some notable changes at the national level. decrease in Albania (1%, -6 pp).

Among the seven EU Member States where there has been There has been a large increase in the proportions using
an increase in the proportion mentioning television as a online social networks and blogs as an information
main source of information about developments in science source in Latvia (53%, +18 pp), Slovenia (45%, +13 pp) and
and technology, the largest is seen in Slovakia (64%, +6 pp). Finland (28%, +11 pp). Within the EU, by far the largest
Large decreases can be observed in Malta (49%, -12 pp) decrease can be seen in Portugal (21%, -11 pp).
and the Netherlands (46%, -12 pp).
There have been large increases in the non-EU countries,
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a most notably in Albania (64%, +42 pp).
large increase in Albania (69%, +23 pp), while the proportion
has fallen substantially in Bosnia and Herzegovina (59%, - Looking at the largest changes for the other sources of
17 pp). information:

The Netherlands is the only EU country where there has  In Belgium, there has been a sharp decrease in the
proportion that mention online encyclopaedias as one
been a substantive increase in the proportion mentioning
of their two main sources of information (7%, -10 pp).
newspapers (55%, +4 pp). However, in several EU countries
there has been a marked fall in the proportion mentioning  There have been large declines in the proportions
this as a main information source: Ireland (20%, -22 pp), mentioning scientific journals in Portugal (6%, -16 pp)
and in Estonia (9%, -11 pp).
Portugal (11%, -21 pp), Estonia (21%, -17 pp) and Slovenia
(10%, -13 pp).  Outside of the EU, there have been decreases in Türkiye
in the proportions mentioning scientific journals (8%,
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the most notable -10 pp) and books (7%, -10 pp).
shift is a large decrease in the UK (24%, -17 pp).

In Malta, there has been a large increase in the proportion

mentioning radio, including podcasts as a main
information source (25%, +14 pp). Large increases can also
be seen in Denmark (27%, +10 pp) and Sweden (29%, +10
pp). The largest decrease among EU countries can be
observed in Ireland (21%, -9 pp).

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Respondents were then asked to choose the information This is followed by online social networks and blogs (17%, -
source that they use least often for finding information 2 pp), radio, including podcasts (13%, -2 pp), books, either
about developments in science and technology 5. printed or e-books (12%, -1 pp), and online encyclopaedias
(12%, +2 pp). One in ten say they use online or printed
EU citizens are most likely to say they use scientific journals newspapers the least (10%, +1 pp), while respondents are
least often as a source of information about science and least likely to mention online or printed magazines (8%, no
technology developments (18%, +1 percentage point since change) and television (8%, +1 pp).
2021).

5
QA2b. And now, please choose the source that you use the least.

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Slovakia (30%), Sweden (29%) and Czechia (25%) are the Within the EU, online encyclopaedias are most likely to be
EU countries with the highest proportion of respondents used the least by respondents in Spain and Germany (both
saying they use online or printed scientific journals the 16%), with the lowest proportions seen in Sweden (5%) and
least as a source of information. The lowest proportion is in Cyprus and Latvia (both 6%). In non-EU countries,
seen in Cyprus (9%). Among the non-EU countries surveyed, proportions range from a high of 17% in Türkiye to a low of
the highest proportions are found in the UK (20%) and 9% in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UK.
Serbia (19%), with the lowest in Montenegro (7%) and
Kosovo (8%). Online or printed newspapers are most likely to be used
least often within the EU in Cyprus (25%), with the lowest
Across EU Member States, the countries with the highest proportions reported in Finland and Sweden (both 5%). In
proportions of respondents saying they use online social non-EU countries, newspapers are most likely to be used the
networks and blogs least often are Sweden (23%) and least in the UK (19%), with the lowest proportions reported
Austria and Germany (both 22%). The lowest proportions in Serbia (4%).
are reported in Malta (6%) and in Greece and Cyprus (both
7%). Looking across the non-EU countries, proportions range Online or printed magazines are most likely to be used
from a high of 17% in Bosnia and Herzegovina to 3% in the least within the EU in Denmark (13%) and Ireland (12%),
Kosovo. with the lowest proportion seen in Sweden (4%). In non-EU
countries, the UK (14%) has the highest proportion and
Within the EU, the proportion of respondents saying they Serbia and Kosovo (both 6%) the lowest.
use radio (including podcasts) the least for finding
information about science and technology developments Within the EU, television (on a TV set or via the internet) is
ranges from 8% in Slovakia to 20% in Finland. Within non- most likely to be used the least in Greece (18%), with the
EU countries, the highest proportions of respondents saying lowest proportion reported in Portugal and Denmark (both
they use radio the least are found in Kosovo (31%) and 3%).
Türkiye (27%), with the lowest proportion in the UK (9%).
In non-EU countries, television is most likely to be used least
Across the EU Member States, the highest proportion of often in North Macedonia (8%), with the lowest proportions
respondents saying they use printed books or e-books seen in Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina (all 4%).
least often are Hungary and Croatia (both 21%), with the
lowest proportion in Spain (8%). Among the non-EU
countries surveyed, proportions range from a high of 19%
in both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to a low of 7%
in the UK.

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The main changes in the findings compared with 2021 are Within the EU, the proportion mentioning books, either
as follows. printed or e-books, has increased the most in Denmark
(20%, +5 pp), while the largest decrease can be seen in
In Portugal, there has been an increase in the proportion that
Slovenia (13%, -9 pp). Among the non-EU countries, the
says they use scientific journals least often as a source
largest shift is the increase in Serbia (19%, +5 pp).
of information for information about science and
technology developments (24%, +8 pp). Within the EU, this There has been an increase in the proportion mentioning
proportion has decreased the most in Ireland (22%, -7 pp) online encyclopaedias as their least used source in
and Latvia (17%, -7 pp). In the non-EU countries, there has Finland (11%, +6 pp) and Germany (16%, +6 pp). The largest
been a large decrease in the UK (20%, -10 pp). shift outside of the EU is the increase in Kosovo (15%, +5
pp).
In the EU, the proportion saying they use online social
networks and blogs least often as an information source The proportions mentioning newspapers has increased the
has decreased markedly in Finland (17%, -10 pp), Ireland most in Slovenia (20%, +10 pp) and Ireland (14%, +9 pp).
(10%, -10 pp) and Denmark (13%, -8 pp). There has also Outside of the EU, large increases can also be seen in the
been a sharp fall in Albania (8%, -11 pp). UK (19%, +11 pp) and Montenegro (16%, +9 pp).

There have been some declines in the proportions that say The proportion saying they use television least often has
they use radio, including podcasts least often. The largest increased the most in Latvia (11%, +6 pp) and Cyprus (10%,
falls can be seen in Estonia (11%, -9 pp) and Portugal (10%, +5 pp). Outside of the EU, it has decreased markedly in
-8 pp). In the non-EU countries, there has been a large Albania (4%, -14 pp). There have been no changes of five
increase in Albania (24%, +14 pp) and a large decrease in percentage points or more in the proportioning mentioning
Montenegro (21%, -15 pp). online or printed magazines.

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3. A ttitudes towards science and

technology
Most Europeans would like to learn more about
scientific developments, although science is
commonly perceived as being too complicated to
understand

This section examines respondents’ attitudes towards

Just over half of EU citizens (53%, +7 pp) agree that
learning and knowledge in science. They were asked to what
science is so complicated that they don’t understand
extent they agreed or disagreed with the following three
much about it, with one in six (17%, +2 pp) saying that
statements 6:
they “strongly agree”. One in four respondents disagree
 “Science is so complicated that you do not understand (24%, -4 pp), with 7% (-3 pp) saying that they “strongly
much about it”; disagree”. Just over one in five respondents (22%, -3 pp)
 “You would like to learn more about scientific neither agree nor disagree with the statement.
developments in places like town halls, museums and
libraries”; A minority of respondents agree that it is not important
in their daily lives to know about science. More than
 “In your daily life, it is not important to know about
science”. one in three respondents (36%, +3 pp) agree that it is not
important, with one in ten (10%, no change) saying that they
Almost six in ten Europeans (58%, +4 percentage points “strongly agree”. Just over four in ten respondents (43%, -3
since 2021) agree that they would like to learn more pp) disagree with the statement, including one in six (16%,
about scientific developments in places like town -4 pp) who “strongly disagree”. One in five respondents
halls, museums and libraries, with almost one in five (20%, no change) neither agree nor disagree.
(18%, +2 pp) saying that they “strongly agree”. Around one
in five respondents (19%, -3 pp) disagree that they would For all three statements, levels of agreement have
like to learn more, with less than one in ten (6%, -2 pp) increased since 2021. The largest increase is in agreement
saying they “strongly disagree”. Just over one in five that science is so complicated that they don’t understand
respondents (22%, -1 pp) neither agree nor disagree. much about it (+7 pp).

6
QA7. The following are some statements that people have made about
science or technology. For each statement, please indicate to what
extent you agree or disagree.

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Attitudes towards these statements vary considerably both Among the non-EU countries surveyed, a high proportion of
within the EU and among the non-EU countries surveyed. respondents in Türkiye (79%) agree that they would like to
learn more about scientific developments in places like town
Looking first at the statement “You would like to learn halls, museums and libraries. Respondents in Serbia (41%)
more about scientific developments in places like and Bosnia and Herzegovina (42%) are least likely to agree.
town halls, museums and libraries”, respondents in
Spain are most likely to agree with the statement (74%),
followed by those in Cyprus (72%) and Luxembourg (71%).
The lowest levels of agreement on this measure are seen in
Croatia (43%) and Romania (45%).

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Compared with 2021, agreement with the statement “I Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a
would like to learn more about scientific developments in very large increase in agreement in Albania (57%, +33 pp),
places like town halls, museums and libraries” has increased with other substantial increases seen in Kosovo (72%, +13
in 21 EU Member States. The largest increases can be seen pp), Montenegro (64%, +12 pp) and Serbia (41%, +11 pp).
in Denmark (62%, +19 pp), Sweden (68%, +18 pp) and
Spain (74%, +14 pp). In Portugal, there has been a large
decrease in agreement (63%, -17 pp), by far the largest of
the six EU countries where agreement has fallen since 2021.

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Attitudes vary across EU Member States in relation to the Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion of
statement “science is so complicated that you do not respondents who agree that science is so complicated that
understand much about it”. they do not understand much about it is highest in Albania
(68%) and in Kosovo and Serbia (both 59%), while
Respondents in Lithuania (71%), Portugal (67%) and agreement is lowest in the UK (41%) and Türkiye (46%).
Bulgaria (66%) are particularly likely to agree that science
is so complicated that they do not understand much about
it. In three Member States, a majority disagrees with the
statement: the Netherlands (23% agree vs. 54% disagree),
Luxembourg (35% vs. 44%) and Finland (41% vs. 45%).

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The proportion that agrees that “science is so complicated Of the seven EU countries showing a decrease in agreement,
that you do not understand much about it” has increased by far the largest can be seen in Romania (40%, -16 pp).
since 2021 in 20 EU Member States. The largest increases
can be observed in Ireland (52%, +28 pp), Belgium (48%,
+25 pp) and Estonia (54%, +23 pp).

Among the non-EU countries, by far the largest change is

the rise in agreement in Albania (68%, +44 pp).

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Attitudes across the EU Member States again vary Among the non-EU countries surveyed, at least half of
considerably in relation to the statement “in your daily life respondents agree that it is not important for them to know
it is not important to know about science”. about science in their daily lives in Serbia (51%) and
Montenegro (50%). The non-EU countries where the lowest
There are ten EU Member States where the majority of proportion of respondents agree with this statement are the
respondents agree that it is not important for them to know UK (27%) and North Macedonia (34%).
about science in their daily lives. Respondents are most
likely to agree in Slovakia (58%), Poland (54%) and Bulgaria
(52%). In 16 EU countries, the majority disagree with the
statement, with at least three-quarters of respondents
disagreeing in the Netherlands (77%) and in Finland and
Malta (both 75%). There is an equal split of agreement and
disagreement in Romania (both 37%).

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Comparing the current national level results with those The largest rises can be seen in Czechia (45%, +29 pp),
reported in 2021, there are 15 EU Member States where the Portugal (44%, +26 pp), Latvia (40%, +22 pp) and Estonia
proportion of respondents who agree that it is not important (49%, +20 pp). Among the 12 EU countries where
for them to know about science in their daily lives has agreement has decreased, by far the largest can be seen in
increased. Greece (33%, -20 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the most notable The largest decrease can be found in North Macedonia
change is in Albania, where there has been a large increase (34%, -7 pp).
in the proportion of respondents who agree that it is not
important for them to know about science in their daily lives
(41%, +21 pp).

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II. Views on the impacts of

science and technology

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This chapter considers Europeans’ views on the impacts of

science and technology. It starts by examining attitudes
towards the overall influence of science and technology on
society, and then looks at different areas where new
technologies are being developed, asking whether they will
have a positive or negative effect on people’s lives in the
future.

The chapter then examines views on the areas that will be

most affected by research and innovation in the coming
years. It then looks at opinions on the benefits and pitfalls
of science and technology.

1. Overall influence of science and

technology on society
More than eight in ten EU citizens think science and
technology have a positive influence on society
Respondents were asked whether they thought the overall Attitudes have become slightly less positive since 2021. In
influence of science and technology on society is positive or particular, there has been a six-percentage point decrease
negative 7. More than eight in ten EU citizens (83%, -3 in the proportion who think science and technology has a
percentage points since 2021) say that the overall influence “very positive” influence on society.
is positive, including 15% (-6 pp) who say it is “very positive”.
Around one in seven (14%, +3 pp) think the influence of
science and technology is negative, with 2% (+1 pp) saying
it is “very negative”. A small proportion (3%, no change) say
they don’t know.

7
QA4. Do you think that the overall influence of science and technology on
society is…?

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In every EU Member State, the majority of respondents think At least seven in ten respondents in every non-EU country
that the overall influence of science and technology on think the overall influence of science and technology is
society is positive, with proportions ranging from 94% in positive. Respondents in Türkiye (93%) and Kosovo (89%)
Sweden and 92% in both Lithuania and Portugal, to 65% in are most likely to think this way.
Romania, 72% in Austria and 73% in France. Romania is the
only country where more than a quarter of respondents
think the overall influence is negative (32%).

The proportion of respondents who think the overall

influence is “very positive” is highest in Sweden (36%),
Ireland (33%) and Denmark (30%).

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In just two EU Member States, there has been an increase In the other 25 EU Member States, respondents are now less
since 2021 in the proportion that thinks the overall influence likely to think it has a positive influence, with the largest
of science and technology is positive: Slovakia (87%, +4 pp) decreases in Latvia (81%, -11 pp), Austria (72%, -8 pp),
and Italy (84%, +2 pp). Estonia (88%, -8 pp) and Luxembourg (86%, -8 pp).

Outside the EU, respondents in three countries are now more The largest decrease is in the UK (85%, -11 pp).
likely than in 2021 to say the influence is positive, while in
the other five countries respondents are less likely to see a
positive influence than they were in 2021.

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Most Europeans expect new technologies to have a

positive impact in the future, and this applies
particularly to renewable energies

Respondents were asked about the effect of different areas Around two-thirds expect a positive effect from
of technology on our way of life in the next 20 years 8. biotechnology and genetic engineering (67%, -3 pp) and
from space exploration (65%, -4 pp).
Almost nine in ten EU citizens (87%) think renewable
energies 9 will have a positive effect, while more than three Respondents are least likely to think nuclear energy for
in four say this about information and communication energy production (56%, +10 pp) and artificial intelligence
technology (79%, -3 pp) and vaccines and combatting (55%, -6 pp) will have a positive impact.
infectious diseases (77%, -9 pp).
In comparison with the 2021 survey, respondents are now
Around three-quarters (76%, +3 pp) of respondents think more likely to say nuclear energy for energy production will
nanotechnology will have a positive impact on life in the have a positive effect (+10 pp). However, respondents are
next 20 years, while a similar proportion (73%, +2 pp) say now less likely to be positive about vaccines and combatting
this about brain and cognitive enhancements. infectious diseases (-9 pp) and artificial intelligence (-6 pp).

8
QA6a. The following is a list of areas where new technologies are currently 9
New item not included in the 2021 survey
being developed. For each of these, do you think it will have a positive,
a negative or no effect on our way of life in the next 20 years?

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More than six in ten respondents in every EU Member State Outside the EU, the proportion of respondents who think
think that renewable energies will have a positive impact renewable energies will have a positive effect range from
in the next 20 years. Almost all respondents in Sweden 92% in the UK to 73% in Montenegro.
(96%) and in Denmark, Portugal and Finland (all 95%) think
this way. The lowest proportions can be observed in
Romania (62%), Estonia (71%) and Bulgaria (74%). There
are ten EU countries where more than half of respondents
think renewable energies will have a “very positive” effect,
led by Sweden (68%) and Denmark (67%).

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The majority of respondents in every EU country think new The majority of respondents in every non-EU country
technologies in information and communication surveyed also think new technologies in this area will have
technology will have a positive effect on life in the next 20 a positive effect, with proportions ranging from 89% in
years. This opinion is most widespread in Cyprus and Ireland Albania to 72% in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(both 89%) and in Greece and Malta (both 88%).
Respondents are least likely to predict a positive effect in
Romania (62%), France (69%) and Austria (73%).

Respondents in Malta (54%) are most likely to expect

information and communication technology to have a “very
positive” effect, followed by those in Cyprus (49%) and
Ireland (46%).

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Since 2021, there has been an increase in five EU Member In 21 EU countries, respondents are now less likely to have
States in the proportion that says new technologies in a positive outlook, most notably in Austria (73%, -12 pp),
information and communication technology will have a Portugal (87%, -11 pp) and Romania (62%, -10 pp).
positive effect on life in the next 20 years. The largest
increase can be seen in Hungary (84%, +4 pp).

Among the non-EU countries, the proportion with a positive

outlook has increased markedly in Albania (89%, +31 pp),
while the largest decrease can be seen in Bosnia and
Herzegovina (72%, -11 pp).

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At least half of respondents in every EU Member State think Outside the EU, the proportion of respondents who think
new technologies in vaccines and combatting infectious new technologies in vaccines and combatting infectious
diseases will have a positive impact in the next 20 years. diseases will have a positive effect range from 86% in the
More than nine in ten respondents in Sweden (95%), UK to 60% in both Albania and North Macedonia.
Denmark and Finland (both 93%) and Portugal (91%) think
this way, while the lowest proportions can be seen in
Romania (50%), Slovenia (57%) and Latvia (60%). There are
four countries where more than half of respondents think
new technologies for vaccines and combatting infectious
diseases will have a “very positive” effect: Sweden (68%),
Finland (64%), Denmark (56%) and Portugal (55%).

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The proportion that thinks new technologies in vaccines and There have been some large decreases, most notably in
combatting infectious diseases will have a positive impact Malta (69%, -24 pp), Estonia (66%, -23 pp) and Cyprus
in the next 20 years has declined in every EU Member State, (64%, -19 pp).
except for Denmark where it has remained unchanged.

Among the non-EU countries, positive views have increased

marginally in Albania (60%, +1 pp), but have declined in the
other seven countries, most notably in Türkiye (67%, -23
pp), Bosnia and Herzegovina (61%, -19 pp) and North
Macedonia (60%, -17 pp).

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In all EU countries, more than half of respondents think In non-EU countries, the proportion that think
nanotechnology will have a positive effect on our way of nanotechnology will have a positive effect ranges from 85%
life in the next 20 years, with respondents in Sweden (90%), of respondents in Türkiye to 61% in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
the Netherlands (89%) and Finland (88%) the most likely to
think this way. At the other end of the scale, 54% in
Romania, 67% in Bulgaria and 68% in both Croatia and
Austria think the effect will be positive.

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Respondents in 14 EU Member States are now more likely In 11 EU countries, positive views have declined, and this
than those in 2021 to say nanotechnology will have a applies in particular to Lithuania (70%, -17 pp), Portugal
positive effect on our way of life. The largest increases can (80%, -16 pp), Estonia (77%, -15 pp) and Latvia (70%, -15
be seen in Poland (78%, +13 pp) and Hungary (76%, +9 pp). pp).

In the non-EU countries, there have been some large

increases in the proportion that think the effect will be
positive: North Macedonia (67%, +24 pp), Kosovo (62%, +24
pp) and Albania (72%, +23 pp). The largest decrease can be
seen in the UK (75%, -11 pp).

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At least half of respondents in every EU Member State think Outside the EU, the view that the effect of new technologies
that the effect of new technologies in brain and cognitive in brain and cognitive enhancement will be positive is
enhancement will be positive. This applies to 88% of dominant in every country, although proportions range from
respondents in Spain, 87% in Portugal and 86% in Finland. 84% in Türkiye to 58% in Serbia.
At the other end of the scale, 51% in Romania and 61% in
Austria think the impact will be positive.

In Spain (52%) and Malta (50%), at least half of

respondents expect new technologies in brain and cognitive
enhancement to have a “very positive” effect.

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In 11 EU countries, there has been an increase since 2021 Among the 15 EU Member States that register a decrease
in the proportion that thinks the effect of new technologies in positive views, the largest are in Latvia (64%, -13 pp),
in brain and cognitive enhancement will be positive. By far Estonia (75%, -11 pp) and Lithuania (71%, -11 pp).
the largest increase can be seen in Sweden (70%, +32 pp),
followed by Greece (70%, +15 pp) and Poland (72%, +14
pp).

Outside of the EU, respondents in Albania are now much There have also been large increases in North Macedonia
more likely than in 2021 to think that the effect of new (73%, +17 pp) and Kosovo (74%, +13 pp), while the largest
technologies in brain and cognitive enhancement will be decrease can be seen in the UK (73%, -10 pp).
positive (73%, +26 pp).

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In most EU Member States, the majority of respondents In countries outside the EU, the proportion of respondents
think the effect of new technologies in biotechnology and who think the effect will be positive ranges from 79% in
genetic engineering will be positive. The highest Türkiye to 47% in Serbia.
proportions taking this view are in Finland (81%), Sweden
(80%) and in Spain and Portugal (both 78%). The one
exception is Austria, where equal proportions predict a
positive and a negative effect (both 43%). The proportions
expecting a positive effect are also relatively low in Romania
(49%) and Bulgaria (53%).

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Opinion has become more positive in three countries since In the other 24 EU countries, positive views have declined,
2021, with the largest increase observed in Denmark (70%, particularly amongst respondents in Estonia (74%, -16 pp),
+7 pp). Portugal (78%, -15 pp), Lithuania (66%, -14 pp) and
Luxembourg (63%, -13 pp).

Outside of the EU, the positive view has increased markedly

in Kosovo (62%, +13 pp) and in Albania (61%, +12 pp), while
it has decreased the most in Bosnia and Herzegovina (55%,
-9 pp).

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At least half of respondents in every EU country think space In the non-EU countries included in the survey, respondents
exploration will have a positive effect on life in the next in Türkiye (79%) and Kosovo (72%) are most likely to say
20 years. This view is most widely held by respondents in space exploration will have a positive effect on life in the
Greece (76%), Czechia (75%) and Hungary (74%). next 20 years, while those in Bosnia and Herzegovina (48%)
Respondents in Romania (50%), Malta (54%) and in France and Serbia (51%) are least likely to say this.
and Austria (both 56%) are least likely to predict a positive
effect.

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The proportion that think space exploration will have a The positive view has declined in 21 EU countries,
positive effect has increased in five EU countries since particularly amongst respondents in Portugal (62%, -24 pp)
2021, with no increases of more than three percentage and Estonia (68%, -12 pp).
points.

Outside of the EU, the positive view has also increased

markedly in Kosovo (72%, +15 pp) and Albania (68%, +12
pp). The largest decreases can be seen in the UK (62%, -12
pp) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (48%, -12 pp).

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There is a broad range of opinions about the effect of Opinion in countries outside the EU also varies considerably,
nuclear energy for energy production. In 24 EU with the proportion that think the effect will be positive
countries the majority think the effect will be positive, with ranging from 78% in Türkiye to 38% in Serbia.
respondents in Czechia (77%), Finland (71%) and Poland
(69%) the most likely to do so. There are three EU Member
States where the majority think the effect will be negative:
Austria (67%), Greece (47% vs. 43% positive) and Germany
(45% vs. 44% positive).

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In 16 EU countries, the proportion that thinks the effects of On the other hand, in eight EU countries, respondents are
new technologies in nuclear energy for energy production now less likely to be positive, with the largest decline seen
will be positive has increased since 2021. The largest in Malta (49%, -13 pp).
increases can be observed in Denmark (66%, +22 pp),
France (66%, +21 pp) and Germany (44%, +19 pp).

Outside of the EU, respondents in Kosovo are now much

more likely to hold a positive view (64%, +20 pp), while the
largest decrease can be seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(47%, -7 pp).

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In every Member State except one, the majority of Among the non-EU countries, respondents in Türkiye are
respondents think artificial intelligence will have a particularly likely to think artificial intelligence will have a
positive effect on our way of life in the next 20 years. This positive effect on our way of life in the next 20 years (81%),
view is held by 69% of respondents in Malta, 68% in while the lowest proportion can be seen in Bosnia and
Portugal, 67% in Denmark and 66% in Hungary. Herzegovina (42%).

The one exception is Romania, where respondents are more

likely to expect a negative effect than a positive one (48%
vs. 40%). Less than half of respondents also expect a
positive outcome in France (44%), Austria (45%) and Latvia
(47%).

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There are five EU Member States where respondents are Positive views have decreased in 22 EU countries, led by
now more likely than in 2021 to say that artificial Luxembourg (54%, -15 pp), Latvia (47%, -14 pp) and Ireland
intelligence will have a positive effect on our way of life in (56%, -14 pp).
the next 20 years. The largest increase can be seen in
Hungary (66%, -7 pp).

Outside of the EU, there has been a large increase in the

proportion predicting a positive effect in Kosovo (60%, +13
pp), while the largest decreases can be seen in the UK (55%,
-13 pp) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (42%, -12 pp).

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2. Area s af f ected by new

t echnologies
Health and medical care is the area which is
expected to be affected the most by research and
innovation in the coming years
Respondents were offered a list of areas and were asked Around one in five think protection of the environment (21%,
which they thought would be affected most by research and -4 pp) and education and skills (21%, +2 pp) will be affected
innovation in the coming years 10. most by research and innovation in the coming years, while
one in six mention the availability and quality of food (17%,
EU citizens are most likely to say that health and medical
-2 pp) and transport and transport infrastructure (17%, no
care is an area that will be affected most by research and
change).
innovation (47%, no change since 2021). Around a third of
respondents mention the fight against climate change More than one in ten respondents think the security of
(34%, -6 percentage points) and the energy supply (32%, no citizens (15%, +3 pp), the adaption of society to an ageing
change). population (15%, +4 pp) and job creation (12%, -3 pp) will
be most affected. Fewer than one in ten mention the
protection of personal data (9%, no change), quality of
housing (8%, +1 pp) or a reduction of inequalities (7%, -1
pp) as areas that will be most affected by research and
innovation in the coming years.

10
QA6b. In the coming years, which of the following areas do you think will
be affected most by research and innovation? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

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Overall, almost half (47%) of EU citizens think health and ranges from 40% in Kosovo (the highest of any country
medical care will be most affected by research and surveyed) to 16% in North Macedonia.
innovation. At a country level, the proportions that think this The Netherlands (26%) is the only country where at least a
way range from 63% in Malta, 58% in the Netherlands and quarter of respondents think the availability and quality
57% in Greece, to 25% in Romania and 30% in Portugal. In
of food will be the most affected by research and
the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion ranges from
innovation in the coming years, although 24% in Hungary,
56% in Albania to 26% in North Macedonia.
Finland and Sweden also mention this area. This contrasts
In the EU, health and medical care is the most frequently with 14% of respondents in Malta, Spain and Latvia. In non-
mentioned area in 23 countries, as well as being the joint EU countries, 30% of respondents in Serbia think the
highest response in Italy. availability and quality of food will be the most affected by
research and innovation in the coming years, while the
Respondents in Sweden (57%), Denmark (48%) and the
lowest proportion is seen in Kosovo (8%).
Netherlands (45%) are the most likely to say the fight
against climate change will be most affected, particularly Respondents in Sweden (28%) and in Austria and Czechia
when compared to those in Romania (17%), Lithuania (18%) (both 24%) are most likely to think transport and
and Estonia and Latvia (both 19%). Amongst the non-EU transport infrastructure will be the most affected by
countries surveyed, respondents in Serbia (37%) are most research and innovation in coming years. At the other end
likely to mention the fight against climate change, and this of the scale, 10% in Cyprus and 12% in both Portugal and
is also the area that ranks highest in North Macedonia Romania think the same way. Outside of the EU,
(32%). Respondents in Montenegro (17%) are least likely to respondents in Türkiye (23%) are the most likely to mention
say this is an area that will be most affected by research transport and transport infrastructure, while those in North
and innovation. Macedonia (5%) are the least likely to do so.
The proportion of respondents who think energy supply will Respondents in Cyprus (24%), Romania (23%) and Estonia
be the most affected by research and innovation varies (22%) are the most likely to mention the security of
considerably between countries: from 63% in Sweden, 52% citizens. This compares with 10% of respondents in each
in Denmark and 51% in the Netherlands, to 11% in Portugal, of Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Lithuania.
12% in Cyprus and 14% in Romania. This is also the most Amongst non-EU countries, the proportion of respondents
mentioned area in Sweden (63%) and Slovenia (40%), as mentioning security ranges from 26% in Kosovo to 10% in
well as being the joint highest answer in Italy (40%). both the UK and Türkiye.
In the non-EU countries surveyed, energy supply is most Portugal (27%) is the only country where more than a
often mentioned by those in Serbia (36%) and is least quarter think the adaption of society to an ageing
frequently mentioned by those in Kosovo (11%). population will be most affected by research and
Only a minority of respondents in each country think innovation, followed by 21% of respondents in the
protection of the environment will be most affected by Netherlands. At the other end of the scale, this area is
research and innovation, with the highest proportions mentioned by 10% of respondents in each of Czechia,
observed in France (28%) and Italy and Denmark (both Bulgaria, Slovakia and Latvia. In countries outside of the EU,
26%). At the other end of the scale 11% of respondents in adaption of society to an ageing population is most
Sweden, 14% in the Netherlands and 15% in Portugal give frequently mentioned by respondents in Montenegro (16%)
this response. In the non-EU countries surveyed, and least by those in North Macedonia (7%).
respondents in Serbia (28%) are most likely to mention Job creation is the area that is mentioned most frequently
protection of the environment as being affected by research by respondents in Portugal (33%) and is also mentioned
and innovation, while those in Montenegro (16%) are least relatively often by respondents in Cyprus (31%) and
likely to do so. Romania (24%). It is least frequently mentioned by those in
Education and skills are most often mentioned by the Netherlands and Denmark (both 4%). Among countries
respondents in Greece and Malta (both 32%) and Cyprus surveyed outside of the EU, respondents in Türkiye (19%)
(31%), and least often mentioned by those in Sweden (13%) are most likely to mention job creation, with the lowest
and Belgium and Austria (both 16%). The proportion of proportion in Serbia (12%).
respondents in non-EU countries mentioning this area

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The proportion of respondents who mention the protection Finally, France (12%) and Luxembourg (11%) are the only
of personal data ranges from 19% in Cyprus and 17% in countries where more than one in ten thinks the reduction
Ireland, to 6% in Sweden and Malta. In non-EU countries the of inequalities will be most affected by research and
proportion ranges from 24% of respondents in Albania to innovation. This compares to 2% of respondents in Malta
9% in the UK. and 3% in each of Sweden, Lithuania and the Netherlands.
The highest proportion of respondents mentioning this area
The quality of housing is mentioned most frequently by
is found outside of the EU in Montenegro (17%).
respondents in Belgium (14%) and in Ireland and
Luxembourg (both 13%), but by only 1% in Sweden. In
countries outside the EU proportions range from 16% in
North Macedonia to 3% in Albania.

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In the EU overall, there has been no change since the 2021 Spain (27%, +11 pp). There has been a decrease in seven
survey in the proportion of respondents who think health EU countries, the largest being in Cyprus (31%, -11 pp) and
and medical care will be most affected by research and Greece (32%, -10 pp).
innovation. However, there have been some large shifts at In the non-EU countries, the largest changes are the
the country level. In eight EU Member States, respondents increases seen in Albania (26%, +16 pp) and the UK (28%,
are now more likely to say health and medical care will be +12 pp).
most affected by research and innovation, led by Denmark
(55%, +15 pp) and France (56%, +7 pp). In 18 EU countries, In 20 EU countries, respondents are now more likely than in
there has been a decrease in the proportion mentioning 2021 to think the security of citizens will be most
health and medical care. The largest decreases can be seen affected by research and innovation. The largest increases
in Czechia (46%, -20 pp), Portugal (30%, -18 pp), Estonia can be seen in Estonia (22%, +15 pp), Ireland (14%, +10 pp)
(44%, -15 pp) and Belgium (50%, -10 pp). and Latvia (18%, +10 pp). There are just five EU countries
where there has been a decrease, none by more than three
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a percentage points. Outside the EU, the only shift of more
large increase in Albania (56%, +39 pp), as well as large than three percentage points is in North Macedonia (17%, -
decreases in North Macedonia (26%, -16 pp) and Bosnia and 5 pp).
Herzegovina (37%, -12 pp).
In most EU countries, there have been only small changes
In just four EU countries, there has been an increase in the
since 2021 in the proportions mentioning the availability
proportion that say the fight against climate change will
and quality of food. Of the eight countries showing an
be most affected by research and innovation in the coming
increase, the largest is in Malta (14%, +6 pp). The largest
years. The largest increase can be seen in Greece (32%, +7
decrease can be seen in Denmark (15%, -7 pp), among the
pp). There has been a decrease in 23 EU Member States,
13 EU countries where there has been a decrease.
including large falls in Portugal (21%, -31 pp), Ireland (29%,
-21 pp), Lithuania (18%, -18 pp) and Estonia (19%, -18 pp). In the non-EU countries, there have been large increases in
Outside the EU, the largest increase can be seen in Albania Albania (17%, +11 pp) and Serbia (30%, +10 pp), and a
(36%, +30 pp), while the largest decrease can be found in large decrease in Türkiye (13%, -11 pp).
the UK (28%, -21 pp). There are nine EU Member States where there has been an
There are 14 EU Member States where respondents are now increase in the proportion choosing transport and
more likely than in 2021 to mention energy supply. The transport infrastructure, the largest being in Malta (20%,
largest increase can be seen in Spain (20%, +6 pp). There +7 pp) and Cyprus (10%, +7 pp). Of the nine EU countries
has been a decrease in the other 13 EU countries, including where there has been a decrease, the largest can be seen in
very large declines in Ireland (27%, -24 pp), Estonia (27%, - Latvia (17%, -10 pp) and Sweden (28%, -8 pp).
23 pp), Belgium (33%, -22 pp) and Portugal (11%, -21 pp).
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest shift can
In the eight other countries surveyed, the largest increase
be seen in Albania (19%, +9 pp).
can be seen in Albania (21%, +16 pp), while the largest
decrease can be found in the UK (32%, -15 pp). In 20 EU Member States, respondents are now more likely
than in 2021 to think the adaption of society to an
There are only four EU countries where there has been an
ageing population will be most affected by research and
increase in the proportions choosing the protection of the
innovation. The largest increases can be seen in the
environment as an area that will be most affected by
Netherlands (21%, +8 pp), Cyprus (14%, +7 pp) and Sweden
research and innovation. None of these increases are
(15%, +7 pp). There has been a decrease in six EU countries,
greater than three percentage points. By contrast, a decline
all of no more than three percentage points. In the eight
can be observed in 20 EU Member States, most notably in
non-EU countries, the largest change can be observed in
Czechia (21%, -13 pp), Ireland (19%, -12 pp) and Portugal
Montenegro (16%, +7 pp)
(15%, -10 pp).
There are seven EU Member States where there has been
Outside the EU, the largest increase is again seen in Albania
an increase in mentions of job creation, the largest being
(16%, +12 pp), while the largest decrease can be found in
in Portugal (33%, +18 pp) and Ireland (19%, +9 pp). There
Montenegro (16%, -10 pp).
has been a decrease in 19 EU countries, most notably in
In 18 EU Member States, there has been an increase since Croatia (11, -9 pp).
2021 in the proportion that thinks education and skills
will be affected the most by research and innovation. The
largest increases can be seen in Ireland (29%, +13 pp) and

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In the non-EU countries, there have been large decreases in

Kosovo (17%, -19 pp), North Macedonia (13%, -10 pp) and
Montenegro (16%, -10 pp).
For the remaining areas, which are less frequently
mentioned overall, the largest changes are as follows:
 In Cyprus, there has been an increase in the proportion
that thinks the protection of personal data will be
most affected by research and innovation in the coming
years (19%, +8 pp), while the largest decrease in the EU
can be seen in Portugal (11%, -7 pp). In the non-EU
countries, the largest shift can be seen in Albania (24%,
+16 pp).
 With regards to the quality of housing, large increases
can be seen in Belgium (14%, +10 pp), Ireland (13%, +9
pp), Portugal (11%, +8 pp) and Czechia (10%, +7 pp).
Outside the EU, the largest change can be seen in
Montenegro (15%, +8 pp).
 The only substantial change in the proportion mentioning
a reduction of inequalities is seen in Albania (5%, -24
pp).

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3. Opinion on the benefits and

pitfalls of science and technology
Most Europeans think that science and technology
make our lives easier, healthier and more
comfortable
Respondents were asked whether they agreed or Just one in ten (10%) disagrees, while 22% are neutral.
disagreed with a number of statements regarding the
These results are similar to those seen in the 2021 survey,
benefits and pitfalls of science and technology11.
with respondents now slightly less likely to agree (-2
Across the EU, two-thirds of respondents (67%) agree percentage points), but with no change in the proportion that
that science and technology make our lives disagrees.
easier, healthier and more comfortable, with 19%
saying they agree ‘totally’.

11
QA8.1. The following are some statements that people have made about
science and technology. For each statement, please indicate to what
extent you agree or disagree.

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The majority of respondents in each EU Member State agree The majority of respondents in all of the non-EU countries
that science and technology make our lives easier, healthier also agree with this statement, with the highest levels of
and more comfortable, with proportions ranging from 82% agreement seen in Türkiye (81%) and the lowest in Bosnia
in Finland, Malta and Sweden, to 49% in Romania. There are and Herzegovina (51%).
only five countries where more than one in ten disagrees:
Romania (23%), Slovenia (15%), Austria (13%), France
(12%) and Germany (11%).

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Compared to 2021, respondents in nine EU countries are By contrast, respondents in 17 EU countries are now less
now more likely to agree, with the largest increases seen in likely to agree, most notably Czechia (68%, -9 pp) and
Latvia (77%, +8 pp), Slovakia (70%, +7 pp) and Sweden Estonia (73%, -8 pp).
(82%, +7 pp).

Outside of the EU, agreement has increased substantially in

Albania (65%, +35 pp), while the largest decrease can be
seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina (51%, -8 pp).

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Respondents were asked the extent to which they agreed or Almost half (46%) disagree, while 21% neither agree nor
disagreed with the statement: “thanks to scientific and disagree.
technological advances, the Earth’s natural resources Agreement has increased since 2021 (+3 pp), while levels
will be inexhaustible”. of disagreement have decreased (-5 pp).
Around three in ten respondents (29%) agree with the
statement, with 7% saying they “totally agree”.

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Fewer than half of the respondents in each EU country agree In non-EU countries, more than half of respondents agree in
that, thanks to scientific and technological advances, the Kosovo (58%) and in Albania and Türkiye (both 52%). Levels
Earth’s natural resources will be inexhaustible. However, of agreement are lowest in the UK (30%).
agreement is the most common opinion in seven countries,
with the highest levels of agreement seen in Poland and
Italy (both 44%) and Croatia (42%). By contrast, 10% of
respondents in Sweden, 14% in Finland and 15% in both
Denmark and France agree with the statement. The largest
proportions of respondents who disagree are observed in
Sweden (80%) and Finland (70%).

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Respondents in 15 EU countries are now more likely than in In eight EU countries agreement has declined, with the
2021 to agree that “thanks to scientific and technological largest decreases seen in Romania (28%, -10 pp) and
advances, the Earth’s natural resources will be Hungary (36%, -9 pp).
inexhaustible”. The largest increases can be seen amongst
those in Ireland (41%, +25 pp), Portugal (37%, +22 pp) and
Belgium (30%, +17 pp).

Agreement has increased in three non-EU countries: Albania

(52%, +21 pp), the UK (30%, +16 pp) and Serbia (39%, +10
pp). Agreement has declined in the other five countries, most
notably in Bosnia and Herzegovina (33%, -10 pp).

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Respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed Results are very similar to the 2021 survey, with agreement
that “artificial intelligence and automation will create showing a marginal increase (+1 percentage point) and no
more jobs than they will eliminate”. change in the proportion that disagrees.

Three in ten Europeans agree (30%), including 7% who say This question is relevant to the final chapter of the report,
they “totally agree”. However, a greater proportion of which examines views on the use of AI for scientific
respondents disagree (40%), and this includes 15% who research. These later findings also show a range of different
“totally disagree”. Just over one-quarter (26%) are neutral views on the impact of AI (see Chapter 7 for further details).
(neither agree nor disagree).

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In every EU Member State, less than half of respondents Outside the EU, respondents in Türkiye (69%) and
agree that artificial intelligence and automation will create Montenegro (54%) are the most likely to agree, particularly
more jobs than they will eliminate, However, agreement is compared with those in the UK (21%).
the prevailing view in five countries: Italy (48%), Poland
(43%), Hungary (39%), Austria (36%) and Denmark (35%).
At the other end of the scale, respondents in Sweden and
France (both 19%) and Latvia (20%) are the least likely to
agree that artificial intelligence and automation will create
more jobs than they will eliminate. Overall, there are 22
countries where respondents are more likely to disagree
than agree.

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In 13 EU Member States, there has been an increase in The largest decreases can be seen in Cyprus (26%, -7 pp)
agreement since 2021, the largest being in Belgium (30%, and Lithuania (23%, -5 pp).
+9 pp) and Austria (39%, +9 pp). In 12 EU countries,
respondents are now less likely to agree that artificial
intelligence and automation will create more jobs than they
will eliminate.

Among the non-EU countries, the largest shifts are the

increases in agreement seen in Türkiye (69%, +13 pp) and
Montenegro (54%, +10 pp).

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More than half of respondents (56%) agree that the Compared to 2021, respondents are now more likely to
applications of science and technology can threaten agree with this statement (+4 pp) and are less likely to
human rights. One in six (16%) disagree, while around one disagree (-6 pp).
in four (24%) neither agree nor disagree.

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Within the EU, respondents in Spain (69%), Sweden (68%) In the non-EU countries, respondents in Serbia (60%) are the
and in Cyprus, the Netherlands and Finland (all 65%) are the most likely to agree, particularly compared to those in
most likely to agree that the applications of science and Kosovo (43%). Again, agreement is the majority view in each
technology can threaten human rights. Agreement is country.
the majority view in every EU country but is lowest in
Romania (44%) and in Czechia and Hungary (both 46%).

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Compared to 2021, respondents in 21 EU countries are now By contrast, respondents in six EU Member States are now
more likely to agree that the applications of science and less likely to agree, with the largest decreases seen in
technology can threaten human rights, with the largest Cyprus (65%, -11 pp) and Romania (44%, -8 pp).
increases seen in Lithuania (61%, +22 pp), Estonia (51%,
+17 pp) and Sweden (68%, +16 pp).

Outside of the EU, the proportion of respondents that agree pp) and the UK (51%, +15 pp), while the largest decrease
that the applications of science and technology can threaten can be seen in Montenegro (51%, -15 pp).
human rights has increased the most in Albania (53%, +25

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More than six in ten EU citizens (63%) agree that science Respondents are now more likely to agree than they were in
makes our ways of life change too fast. One in six 2021 (+6 pp), while disagreement has fallen (-4 pp).
(17%) disagree with the statement, while a similar
proportion (19%) is neutral.

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In every EU Member State, a majority of respondents agree Across non-EU countries, agreement ranges from 82% of
that science makes our ways of life change too fast. respondents in each of Türkiye, Albania and North
The highest levels of agreement can be seen in Greece Macedonia, to 46% in the UK.
(90%), Cyprus (87%) and Spain (23%), while the lowest
levels are recorded in Denmark and the Netherlands (both
43%) and in Finland (45%).

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Since 2021, agreement that science makes our ways of life Decreases in agreement are recorded in just five EU
change too fast has increased in 20 EU Member States, with countries, the largest being in Cyprus (87%, -7 pp).
the largest rises seen in Ireland (57%, +27 pp), Estonia
(62%, +21 pp) and Belgium (63%, +21 pp).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been little or no

change in six of the countries, but there have been large
increases in Albania (82%, +50 pp) and the UK (46%, +19
pp).

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III. Views on governance of

science and technology
I.

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This chapter focuses on the governance of science and

technology. It starts by examining the public’s trust in those
governing science and technology, before looking more
closely at issues related to governance and decision-making
about science and technology. It then examines views on
who should be responsible for ensuring research security in
international collaboration among research institutions. It
finishes by examining attitudes towards public access to
research findings.

1. Governance of science and

technology
Over half of Europeans agree that there is no option
but to trust those governing science and technology

Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or Findings have remained broadly in line with those seen in
disagreed that “we have no option but to trust those the 2021 survey.
governing science and technology” 12.

Just over half of EU citizens agree (53%, +1 percentage

point), with 14% (-2 pp) saying they “strongly agree”. Just
over one in five disagrees (22%, -3 pp), with 6% (-2 pp)
“strongly disagreeing”. Just over one in five (23%, +2 pp) are
neutral, while 2% (no change) say they don’t know.

12
QA15.6. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following
statements? We have no option but to trust those governing science
and technology.

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In every EU Member State except Sweden, a majority of In countries outside the EU, the proportions that agree are
respondents agree that we have no option but to trust those consistent, ranging from 53% in Serbia to 44% in Bosnia
governing science and technology. The highest levels of and Herzegovina. In each country, the majority agrees with
agreement can be seen in Spain (65%), Portugal (64%) and the statement.
Lithuania (63%). In Sweden, 32% agree and 52% disagree,
while levels of agreement are also relatively low in Romania
and Finland (both 41%) and in the Netherlands (42%).

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In 15 EU Member States, respondents are now more likely There are 11 EU countries where agreement has decreased,
than in 2021 to agree that “we have no option but to trust most notably Bulgaria (55%, -11 pp), Cyprus (52%, -9 pp)
those governing science and technology.” The largest and Hungary (60%, -8 pp).
increases can be seen in Ireland (55%, +19 pp), Lithuania
(63%, +13 pp) and Portugal (64%, +12 pp).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a large

increase in agreement in Albania (48%, +20 pp), while
agreement has fallen sharply in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(44%, -14 pp) and Montenegro (46%, -10 pp).

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Respondents were read out a series of paired statements There has been a slight shift in favour of greater regulation
and were asked to choose which one of the two statements since the 2021 survey (4 pp.). Respondents are now more
was closest to their point of view 13. likely to say that science and technology should be tightly
regulated by the government (+4 pp), while there has been
There are differing views on the regulation of science and a corresponding fall in the proportion saying it should be
technology. Just over half of EU citizens (54%) think allowed to operate freely in the marketplace (-4 pp).
“science and technology should be tightly regulated
by the government”, while more than four in ten (44%)
think it “should be allowed to operate freely in the
marketplace”. Just 2% say they don’t know.

13
QA11. You will be shown a series of statement sets. For each set, which
statement comes closest to your point of view?

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At a country level, the majority of respondents in 15 EU In all of the non-EU countries studied, the dominant opinion
Member States say science and technology should be tightly is that science and technology should be tightly regulated
regulated by the government, with the highest proportions by the government, with this view most widely held in
in Portugal (78%), Ireland (68%) and Italy (64%). In 11 EU Türkiye (64%) and Albania (62%).
countries, the majority opinion is that science and
technology should be allowed to operate freely in the
marketplace, with those in Finland (72%), Czechia (67%)
and Sweden (64%) the most likely to think this way. In
Romania, equal proportions take each point of view (both
49%).

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In 16 EU Member States, there has been an increase since In seven EU countries, the proportion that thinks science and
2021 in the proportion of respondents that say science and technology should be tightly regulated by the government
technology should be tightly regulated by the government. has fallen, with the largest decreases seen in Malta (40%, -
The largest increases can be seen in Portugal (78%, +20 pp), 10 pp), Romania (49%, -9 pp) and Slovakia (39%, -7 pp).
Lithuania (54%, +19 pp) and Estonia (36%, +15 pp).

In the non-EU countries, the proportion that thinks science

and technology should be tightly regulated by the
government has increased markedly in Türkiye (64%, +22
pp) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (61%, +11 pp), and has
decreased sharply in Montenegro (57%, -17 pp) and Albania
(62%, -13 pp).

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Respondents were then presented with the following two More than half of EU citizens say that decisions about
statements and were asked which came closest to their science and technology should be based primarily on the
point of view: moral and ethical issues concerned (57%, +2 pp since
2021), while around four in ten say these decisions should
 “Decisions about science and technology should be be based primarily on the potential to make new scientific
based primarily on the moral and ethical issues
discoveries and develop new technologies (41%, -2 pp). Just
concerned”;
2% (no change) don’t know.
 “Decisions about science and technology should be
based primarily on the potential to make new
scientific discoveries and develop new
technologies”.

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In 22 EU Member States, a majority of respondents say that In all but two countries outside the EU, the most common
decisions about science and technology should be based view is that decisions about science and technology should
primarily on the moral and ethical issues concerned. The be based primarily on the moral and ethical issues
highest proportions are seen in Portugal (68%) and in concerned. Respondents in Serbia (77%) are most likely to
Austria, Bulgaria and Greece (all 65%). In four EU countries, hold this view. Albania (54%) and Kosovo (50%) are the two
the most common view is that decisions about science and countries where a majority of respondents think these
technology should be based primarily on the potential to decisions should be based primarily on the potential to
make new scientific discoveries and develop new make new scientific discoveries and develop new
technologies: Finland (57%), Latvia (53%), Malta (51%) and technologies.
Estonia (49%). Opinion in Denmark is evenly divided (49%
for both responses).

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In 18 EU Member States, there has been an increase since In six EU countries, there has been a fall in the proportion
2021 in the proportion of respondents that say decisions that thinks decisions about science and technology should
about science and technology should be based primarily on be based primarily on the moral and ethical issues
the moral and ethical issues concerned. The largest concerned. The largest decrease can be seen in Czechia
increases can be seen in Portugal (68%, +22 pp), Lithuania (53%, -7 pp).
(63%, +16 pp) and the Netherlands (53%, +13 pp).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in Türkiye are There have been large decreases in the proportion holding
much more likely than in 2021 to say that decisions about this view in Albania (45%, -20 pp) and Montenegro (59%, -
science and technology should be based primarily on the 10 pp).
moral and ethical issues concerned (56%, +16 pp).

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Seven in ten Europeans (70%, -2 pp since 2021) hold the

view that “decisions about science and technology
should be based mainly on the advice of experts”,
while 28% (+1 pp) say that “decisions about science and
technology should be based mainly on what the majority of
people in a country think”.

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In every EU Member State except Romania, the prevailing Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
view is that “decisions about science and technology should the UK (76%) and Albania (75%) are most likely to say that
be based mainly on the advice of experts”. Respondents are ‘decisions about science and technology should be based
most likely to hold this view in Malta (88%), the Netherlands mainly on the advice of experts’, and this is the majority
(86%) and in Finland and Sweden (both 83%). view in each country. Respondents in Bosnia and
Herzegovina (39%) and Montenegro (37%) are the most
The alternative viewpoint, that “decisions about science and likely to say that decisions should be based mainly on what
technology should be based mainly on what the majority of the majority of people in a country think.
people in a country think”, is most prevalent in Romania
(49%) and Austria (42%). In Romania, equal proportions
(49%) give the two response options.

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There are nine EU countries where respondents are more The proportion who take this view has declined in 18 EU
likely than in 2021 to say that “decisions about science and Member States, with the largest decreases in Estonia (72%,
technology should be based mainly on the advice of -18 pp), Czechia (75%, -17 pp), Latvia (63%, -16 pp) and
experts”. The largest increase can be seen in the Belgium (67%, -16 pp).
Netherlands (86%, +9 pp).

In the non-EU countries, the largest change since 2021 is in

the UK, where respondents are now less likely to say that
“decisions about science and technology should be based
mainly on the advice of experts” (76%, -11 pp).

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Within the EU, just over seven in ten respondents (72%, no

change since 2021) think that “the government should
take responsibility to ensure that new technologies
benefit everyone”, while just over one in four (27%, no
change) say that “it is up to people themselves to seek out
the benefits of new technologies”.

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The majority of respondents in all EU Member States think Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in the
that “the government should take responsibility to ensure UK (77%), are most likely to take the view that the
new technologies benefit everyone”. Respondents are most government should take responsibility to ensure new
likely to hold this view in Portugal (85%), Ireland (82%) and technologies benefit everyone. Again, this view is held by a
in Spain, Italy and Malta (all 79%). Respondents are most majority in all non-EU countries, with the lowest proportion
likely to take the alternative view – that it is up to people in Bosnia and Herzegovina (66%).
themselves to seek out the benefits of new technologies –
in Romania (45%), Slovakia (39%) and in Estonia and Cyprus
(both 37%).

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Comparing the current results with those from 2021, there Among the 12 EU Member States where the proportion of
are 14 EU Member States where the proportion of respondents who take this view has fallen, the largest
respondents who think that the government should take decreases can be found in Belgium (73%, -10 pp), Estonia
responsibility to ensure that new technologies benefit (60%, -10 pp) and Bulgaria (62%, -9 pp).
everyone has increased, with the most marked increases
seen in Poland (69%, +12 pp), Cyprus (63%, +8 pp) and
Croatia (75%, +8 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the most notable

change is an increase in the proportion of respondents who
think the government should take responsibility to ensure
new technologies benefit everyone in Kosovo (71%, +11 pp).

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More than seven in ten respondents (73%) believe that “the government should make private companies tackle climate
government should make private companies tackle change (73%, -6 pp), while there has been an increase in
climate change”, while one in four respondents (25%) the proportion saying it should be left to private companies
think that “we should leave it to private companies to decide to decide whether to tackle climate change (25%, +5 pp).
whether to tackle climate change”.

There has been a change since the 2021 survey.

Respondents are now less likely to say that the

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The majority of respondents in all EU Member States take The majority of respondents in all the non-EU countries
the view that “the government should make private surveyed also take the view that the government should
companies tackle climate change”. Respondents are most make private companies tackle climate change, with the
likely to say this in Sweden (88%) and in Portugal and Malta highest proportion in the UK (82%), and the lowest in
(both 84%). Respondents are least likely to think this in Montenegro (66%).
Estonia and Slovenia (both 51%) and Romania (53%).

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In seven EU Member States, there has been an increase In 19 EU countries, the proportion that thinks the
since 2021 in the proportion of respondents that say the government should make private companies tackle climate
government should make private companies tackle climate change has fallen, with the largest decreases seen in
change. The largest increase can be seen in Finland (75%, Czechia (55%, -19 pp), Estonia (51%, -19 pp) and Belgium
+4 pp). (73%, -14 pp).

In the non-EU countries, the proportion that thinks the

government should make private companies tackle climate
change has increased the most in North Macedonia (74%,
+8 pp) and has decreased sharply in Montenegro (66%, -15
pp).

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2. Views on responsible bodies

regarding security in
international research
collaboration
Research institutions are most commonly seen as
being responsible for ensuring research security in
international collaboration
Respondents were asked who should be responsible for The most frequent response is that research institutions
ensuring research security in international collaboration should be responsible for ensuring research security (41%),
among research institutions, choosing from the options of while 29% say that responsibility should lie with
governments, funding agencies and research institutions 14. governments and 26% with funding agencies.

14
QA18. Which of the following should be the main responsible for ensuring research
security in international collaboration among research institutions?

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In 22 EU Member States, respondents are most likely to say The proportion choosing governments is also high in
that research institutions should be responsible for Lithuania (37%). This answer is chosen least frequently in
ensuring research security in international collaboration. Sweden (17%) and in Slovenia and Finland (both 18%).
More than half of respondents give this answer in Finland
(63%), Slovenia (60%) and Sweden (51%), while the lowest In Hungary, respondents are most likely to say that funding
proportions are seen in Ireland (32%) and in Portugal, Spain agencies should be responsible for ensuring research
and Italy (all 34%). security (38%). Among EU countries, the proportion
choosing funding agencies is also high in Romania (34%)
In four EU countries, governments are most likely to be and in Italy and Croatia (both 32%). The lowest proportions
seen as the organisation that should be responsible for can be seen in Lithuania (15%) and in Finland and the
ensuring research security in international collaboration Netherlands (both 16%).
among research institutions: the Netherlands (42%),
Denmark (41%), Portugal (40%) and Ireland (37%).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion that thinks In the eight non-EU countries, almost half of respondents in
research institutions should be responsible ranges from Montenegro (46%) say that funding agencies should be
47% in Serbia to 32% in Türkiye. responsible for ensuring research security in international
collaboration, while the proportion is lowest in Serbia (15%).
Outside the EU, the proportion that say governments should
be responsible ranges from 40% in both Türkiye and the UK
to 17% in Montenegro.

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3. Public access to research results

Eight in ten Europeans agree that the results of
publicly funded research should be freely available
online.
Respondents were asked how strongly they agreed Eight in ten EU citizens agree with the statement (80%, +1
or disagreed that “the results of publicly funded percentage point since 2021), including 41% (-2 pp) who
research should be made available online free of ‘strongly agree’. Just 5% disagree (no change), while 13%
charge”15. neither agree nor disagree (no change).

15
QA7.5. The following are some statements that people have made about such as scientific articles and data, should be made available online
science or technology. For each statement, please indicate to what free of charge.
extent you agree or disagree. The results of publicly funded research,

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At a country level, more than half of respondents in every In all non-EU countries, more than six in ten respondents
EU Member State agree that the results of publicly funded agree with the statement, with the highest proportions in
research should be freely available online. Levels of the UK (86%), Albania (81%) and Türkiye (80%). The lowest
agreement range from 91% in Finland, 90% in Cyprus and level of agreement is seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina (66%).
89% in both Ireland and Sweden, to 55% in Romania and
71% in each of Bulgaria, Hungary and Poland. In ten EU
countries, at least half of respondents “strongly agree”, with
the largest proportions in Cyprus (71%) and Sweden (68%).

Romania is the only EU country where more than one in ten

respondents disagree (20%).

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In 13 EU Member States, respondents are now more likely Among the 11 EU countries where agreement has declined
than in 2021 to agree that the results of publicly funded since 2021, the largest decreases can be found in Portugal
research should be freely available online. The largest (79%, -17 pp) and Czechia (78%, -13 pp).
increases in agreement can be seen in Spain (88%, +9 pp),
Denmark (85%, +8 pp) and Slovakia (82%, +7 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, agreement has The largest decrease in agreement can be seen in Türkiye
increased substantially in Albania (81%, + 51 pp), with large (80%, -10 pp).
increases also seen in Serbia (79%, +16 pp) and Kosovo
(77%, +13 pp).

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153
IV. Perceptions of scientists
II.

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This chapter looks at public perceptions of scientists. It

starts by assessing citizens’ attitudes towards scientists,
specifically their role in decision making, their position in
society and their interactions with the public. It then looks
at the characteristics that people associate with scientists
today, as well as the qualities that respondents think
scientists should have.

1. Views on scientists
There are mixed views as to whether scientists respondents are slightly more likely to agree (42%, +3
should intervene in political debate.’ percentage points) than disagree (33%, -4 pp).
This section examines public perceptions of scientists, in Europeans express a degree of mistrust when asked about
terms of their role in decision making, their position in the credibility of scientists. Half of EU citizens (50%, no
society and their interactions with the public. change) agree that “we can no longer trust scientists to
In order to provide a balanced assessment of views on tell the truth about controversial scientific and
whether scientists should intervene in political debate, the technological issues because they depend more and
sample was randomly divided into two, with half of more on money from industry”, while 21% disagree (-1
respondents asked a ‘positive’ statement and the other half pp).
a ‘negative’ statement 16. On balance, this indicates a
Just under half of respondents (48%, +3 pp) agree that
preference for scientists intervening in political debate: two- “scientists only look at very specific issues and do not
thirds agree (68%, no change since 2021) that “scientists
consider problems from a wider social perspective”,
should intervene in political debate to ensure that
while 21% disagree (-4 pp).
decisions take into account scientific evidence”, while
just 11% disagree (no change). With the alternative Just over a third of EU citizens (35%, +3 pp) agree that
‘negative’ wording, that “scientists should not intervene “nowadays, the problems we are facing are so
in political debate when decisions ignore scientific complex that scientists are no longer able to
evidence”, results are more evenly balanced, although understand them”, while a slightly larger proportion
disagrees (37%, -4 pp).

16
QA9. To what extent do you agree with the following statements
regarding scientists today?

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There is considerable variation between EU Member States In the eight other countries surveyed, the UK is the one
in the proportions that agree that “scientists should not country where respondents are more likely to disagree than
intervene in political debate when decisions ignore agree that scientists should not intervene (49% vs. 30%).
scientific evidence”. There are 17 Member States where Otherwise, agreement is the majority view, particularly in
the majority of respondents agree with this statement, led Montenegro (55%) and in North Macedonia and Kosovo
by Cyprus (63%), Italy (61%) and Hungary (58%). However, (both 53%).
disagreement outweighs agreement in the other ten
Member States, with disagreement particularly high in the
Netherlands (72%) and Sweden (68%).

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Compared with 2021, there have been increases in Agreement has decreased in nine EU countries, the largest
agreement in 17 EU Member States, over the issue of being in France (43%, -15 pp), Bulgaria (41%, -7 pp) and
whether scientists should not intervene in political debate. Lithuania (34%, -7 pp).
The largest increases can be observed in Belgium (46%, +25
pp), Ireland (32%, +16 pp) and Portugal (33%, +15 pp).

In the non-EU countries, there have been large increases in

agreement in the UK (30%, +17 pp) and Albania (45%, +15
pp).

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In all EU Member States, a majority of respondents agrees In the non-EU countries covered by the survey, agreement
that “scientists should intervene in political debate to with the statement ranges from 69% in the UK to 52% in
ensure that decisions take into account scientific Albania.
evidence”. The proportion that agrees is highest in Sweden
(83%), Finland (81%) and in Spain and the Netherlands
(both 77%). Levels of agreement are lowest in Romania
(45%), Hungary (48%) and Croatia (51%).

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In 13 EU Member States, agreement as to whether scientists Among the 14 EU countries where agreement has fallen, the
should intervene in political debate has increased since largest decreases can be seen in Estonia (69%, -16 pp),
2021. The largest increases can be seen in the Netherlands Romania (45%, -13 pp) and Portugal (66%, -12 pp).
(77%, +14 pp), Sweden (83%, +12 pp) and Denmark (76%,
+11 pp).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a large

increase in agreement in Albania (52%, +16 pp), while
agreement has fallen the most in Montenegro (59%, -8 pp).

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In the EU overall, half of respondents (50%) agree that “we Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, agreement
can no longer trust scientists to tell the truth about ranges from 60% in Bosnia and Herzegovina to 41% in the
controversial scientific and technological issues UK.
because they depend more and more on money from
industry”. In all 27 EU Member States, a majority of
respondents agree with the statement.

Respondents are most likely to agree with the statement in

Cyprus (69%), Lithuania (62%) and Italy (60%), while
agreement is lowest in Romania (40%) and in Denmark and
Ireland (both 42%).

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There has been an increase in agreement with this Agreement has declined in nine EU countries, most notably
statement in 14 EU Member States since 2021. The largest in Germany (44%, -9 pp) and Portugal (45%, -8 pp).
increases can be seen in Italy (60%, +11 pp) and Czechia
(47%, +8 pp).

There have also been large increases in the non-EU

countries surveyed, the largest being in Albania (52%, +23
pp) and the UK (41%, +14 pp

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In 26 EU Member States, a majority of respondents agree In the other countries surveyed, respondents in North
that “scientists only look at very specific issues and Macedonia are most likely to agree that scientists only look
do not consider problems from a wider social at very specific issues (57%), with agreement lowest in the
perspective”. The exception is Denmark, where 36% agree UK (40%). Overall, a majority agrees with the statement in
and 37% disagree. each of the eight countries.

Respondents are most likely to agree with the statement in

Cyprus (59%), Italy (57%) and in Croatia and Slovenia (both
55%), while the proportion that disagrees is highest in
Denmark and the Netherlands (both 37%) and in Sweden
(34%).

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There have been some large increases in agreement in EU Overall, there are 19 EU countries where agreement has
Member States since 2021, the largest being in Estonia increased and six where it has decreased, with the largest
(45%, +15 pp), Luxembourg (52%, +14 pp) and Belgium decreases seen in Slovakia (45%, -6 pp) and Greece (48%,
(51%, +14 pp). -5 pp).

Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, by far the

largest shift is the increase in agreement in Albania (54%,
+24 pp).

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In ten EU Member States, a majority of respondents agree In the eight other countries covered by the survey,
that “nowadays, the problems we are facing are so respondents in Montenegro (52%) are most likely to agree
complex that scientists are no longer able to that “nowadays, the problems we are facing are so complex
understand them”. Agreement is highest in Lithuania that scientists are no longer able to understand them”.
(52%), Croatia (49%) and Italy (47%). In 16 Member States, Agreement is the majority view in every country except the
respondents are more likely to disagree than agree with the UK, where respondents are more likely to disagree than
statement. Respondents are most likely to disagree in the agree (45% vs. 25%).
Netherlands (63%), Sweden (62%) and Malta (60%). Equal
proportions agree and disagree in Greece (both 33%)

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There has been an increase in agreement in 17 EU Member Among the ten EU countries where agreement has
States since 2021, the largest being in Portugal (44%, +26 decreased, the largest can be seen in Spain (36%, -8 pp) and
pp), Belgium (34%, +19 pp), Estonia (31%, +18 pp) and Romania (33%, -8 pp).
Ireland (29%, +16 pp).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest shift in

agreement can be seen in the UK (25%, +15 pp).

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Almost half of the respondents disagree (48%, -3 pp) that

“scientists spend sufficient time meeting people like
you to explain their work”, including 21% (-2 pp) who
“strongly disagree” 17.

More than a quarter of Europeans (27%, +4 percentage

points since 2021) agree, with 6% (+1 pp) saying they
“strongly agree” and 21% (+3 pp) that they “tend to agree”.

17
QA7.3. The following are some statements that people have made about extent you agree or disagree: Scientists spend sufficient time meeting
science or technology. For each statement, please indicate to what people like you to explain their work.

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In every EU Member State except Poland, a majority of Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, a majority of
respondents disagree with the statement. Respondents are respondents agree with the statement in Türkiye (54%),
most likely to disagree in Malta (68%), France (63%) and Montenegro (45%) and Kosovo (41%), while disagreement
Cyprus (61%). is the majority view in the other countries, notably Albania
(58% disagree).
In Poland, 42% agree and 32% disagree. Levels of
agreement are also relatively high in Italy and Hungary
(both 36%) and in Austria and Portugal (both 34%).

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Since 2021, there has been an increase in agreement in 22 Agreement has decreased in just four EU countries, with the
EU Member States. The largest increases can be seen in largest declines seen in Malta (17%, -8 pp) and Romania
Belgium (30%, +14 pp), Portugal (34%, +13 pp) and Austria (24%, -7 pp).
(34%, +12 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in agreement in Türkiye (54%, +17 pp) and
the UK (23%, +12 pp).

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Just over half of Europeans (52%, +6 percentage points The findings show a change from the 2021 survey, with
since 2021) agree that “because of their knowledge, respondents now more likely to agree with the statement
scientists have a power that makes them dangerous”. (+6 pp) and less likely to disagree (-6 pp).
This includes 14% (-1 pp) who “totally agree” with the
statement. Just under one in four disagree (23%, -6 pp),
including 6% (-3 pp) who “totally disagree” 18.

18
QA8.8. The following are some statements that people have made about extent you agree or disagree: Because of their knowledge, scientists
science and technology. For each statement, please indicate to what have a power that makes them dangerous.

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In 23 EU Member States, a majority of respondents agree Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, agreement is the
that “because of their knowledge, scientists have a power majority view in every country. Levels of agreement range
that makes them dangerous”. The highest levels of from 64% in Serbia to 40% in the UK.
agreement can be seen in Malta (68%), Portugal (64%) and
Italy (63%). In the four other Member States, respondents
are more likely to disagree than agree with the statement:
the Netherlands (54% disagree), Denmark and Finland (both
49%) and Sweden (48%).

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There has been a rise in agreement that “because of their Agreement has fallen in just four EU countries, with the
knowledge, scientists have a power that makes them largest decrease seen in Romania (42%, -8 pp).
dangerous” in most EU Member States since 2021, the
largest being in Ireland (52%, +28 pp), Portugal (64%, +26
pp), Estonia (40%, +20 pp) and Belgium (52%, +20 pp).

Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, there has

been a large increase in agreement in Albania (56%, +31
pp) and in the UK (40%, +14 pp), while agreement has
decreased the most in Kosovo (49%, -8 pp).

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2. Characteristics of scientists
‘Intelligent’ and ‘reliable’ are the words that
Europeans most frequently associate with
scientists.
This section focuses on the characteristics that Overall, around a third of respondents (35%) only associate
Europeans associate with scientists, as well as the scientists with positive characteristics, while 61% mention
qualities that they think they should have. a combination of positive and negative characteristics. Just
When presented with ten words or phrases that describe 1% only associate scientists with negative characteristics 19.
possible characteristics of scientists, Europeans
are generally more likely to associate scientists with
positive characteristics rather than negative ones.

19
QA10a. The following is a list of characteristics that can be associated
with scientists today. For each characteristic, indicate if you think it
describes scientists well or describes them badly.

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‘Intelligent’ is the characteristic most frequently associated Looking at the negative characteristics included in the
with scientists (89% say this describes scientists well, no question, ‘bad at communicating’ is the one that is most
change from the 2021 survey). More than half of commonly associated with scientists (43%, +4 pp), followed
respondents choose ‘reliable’ (71%, +3 percentage points), by ‘arrogant’ (30%, +2 pp), ‘narrow minded’ (28%, +5 pp),
‘honest’ (63%, +5 pp) and ‘know best what is good for and ‘immoral’ (19%, +3 pp). In each case, respondents are
people’ (53%, +6 pp) as characteristics that describe more likely to say the negative characteristic describes
scientists well. The positive characteristics that are less scientists ‘badly’ than say it describes them ‘well’.
frequently associated with scientists are ‘open to engage
with citizens‘ 20 (49%) and ‘altruistic’ (43%, +3 pp).

20
This item was not included in the 2021 survey.

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At least three-quarters of respondents in every EU Member Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
State say that ‘intelligent’ describes scientists well. Almost that says ‘intelligent’ describes scientists well ranges from
all respondents give this answer in Spain (97%) and the 99% in Türkiye to 83% in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Netherlands (96%). The lowest proportions are found in
Romania (75%) and Latvia (80%). Romania has by far the
largest proportion of respondents who say ‘intelligent’
describes scientists badly (21%).

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In ten EU Member States, respondents are now more likely The proportion has decreased in 13 EU countries, with the
than in 2021 to say that ‘intelligent’ describes scientists largest in Portugal (86%, -10 pp) and Estonia (86%, -8 pp).
well. The largest increases can be observed in Poland (85%,
+6 pp) and Hungary (94%, +6 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in Albania in the proportion that says
‘intelligent’ describes scientists well (97%, +40 pp).

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In all 27 EU Member States, more than half of respondents In some countries, less than one in ten respondents say they
think that ‘reliable’ describes scientists well. Respondents ‘don’t know’, but it accounts for at least a fifth of
are most likely to say this in Sweden (82%) and in Hungary, respondents in Latvia (25%), Portugal (22%) and Estonia
the Netherlands and Poland (all 80%), while the proportion (20%).
is lowest in Latvia and Cyprus (both 55%) and in Estonia
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, more than half
(59%).
of respondents in each country say that ‘reliable’ describes
Respondents in Cyprus (37%) are most likely to say that scientists well.
‘reliable’ describes scientists badly, followed by those in
The proportion ranges from 91% in Türkiye to 53% in Bosnia
Romania, Croatia and Slovenia (all 27%).
and Herzegovina.
The proportion that give a ‘don’t know’ answer varies
considerably across Member States.

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Since 2021, the proportion of respondents that say ‘reliable’ In 12 EU countries, this proportion has decreased, most
describes scientists well has increased in 14 EU Member notably in Estonia (59%, -20 pp) and Portugal (69%, -14
States. The largest increases can be seen in Poland (80%, pp).
+8 pp) and France (68%, +8 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there have been

large increases in the proportions that say ‘reliable’
describes scientists well in Albania (76%, +23 pp) and
Montenegro (74%, +20 pp). The largest decrease can be
seen in the UK (73%, -12 pp).

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In 17 EU Member States, respondents are more likely to say Respondents in Bulgaria and Portugal (both 22%) are
that ‘open to engage with citizens’ describes scientists particularly likely to give a ‘don’t know’ answer.
well than to say it describes them badly. Respondents are
Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, the proportion
most likely to say this describes scientists well in Poland
that says ‘open to engage with citizens’ describes scientists
(65%) and Hungary and Slovakia (both 61%). However,
well ranges from 76% in Türkiye to 38% in both Serbia and
there are ten Member States where respondents are more
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
likely to say ‘open to engage with citizens’ describes
scientists badly as say it describes them well. In fact, at
least half of respondents in Cyprus (53%), Luxembourg
(52%) and Italy (50%) say this describes scientists badly.

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In six EU Member States, more than seven in ten Around a quarter of respondents say they ‘don’t know’ in
respondents think that ‘honest’ describes scientists well: Bulgaria and Portugal (both 25%) and in Latvia (24%).
Sweden (80%), the Netherlands (77%), Denmark (73%),
Hungary (72%) and Poland and Finland (both 71%). By Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, respondents
contrast, only around half of respondents take this view in in Türkiye (88%) are the most likely to say that ‘honest’
Cyprus (49%) and Austria (50%). describes scientists well, while those in Bosnia and
Herzegovina (51%) are least likely to say this.
Respondents are most likely to say that ‘honest’ describes
scientists badly in Cyprus (43%) and in Croatia and
Luxembourg (both 33%).

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Since 2021, the proportion of respondents that say ‘honest’ The largest increases can be seen in Poland (80%, +8 pp)
describes scientists well has increased in 14 EU Member and France (68%, +8 pp). In 12 EU countries, this proportion
States. has decreased, most notably in Estonia (59%, -20 pp) and
Portugal (69%, -14 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there have been

large increases in the proportions that say ‘honest’ describes
scientists well in Albania (76%, +23 pp) and Montenegro
(74%, +20 pp). The largest decrease can be seen in the UK
(73%, -12 pp).

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There is wide variation by Member State in the proportions At least one in five respondents say they ‘don’t know’ in
that say ‘know best what is good for people’ describes Slovakia (23%) and Estonia (20%).
scientists well.
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
It is the majority view in 17 countries, led by Spain (77%), that say ‘know best what is good for people’ describes
Greece (73%), Italy (71%) and Portugal (70%). In nine EU scientists well ranges from 86% in Türkiye to 43% in Bosnia
Member States, a majority thinks that this is a bad and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina is the one country
description of scientists. Respondents are most likely to take where ‘badly’ is the majority view (48%).
this view in the Netherlands (61%), Sweden (54%) and
Finland (50%). Equal proportions say this describes
scientists well and badly in Estonia (both 40%).

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There are 18 EU countries where respondents are now more In nine EU countries, this proportion has decreased, most
likely than in 2021 to say that ‘know best what is good for notably in Finland (33%, -10 pp), Lithuania (46%, -8 pp) and
people’ describes scientists well. The largest increases can Sweden (35%, -8 pp).
be seen in Portugal (70%, +17 pp) and Poland (64%, +12
pp).

Outside of the EU, there have been large increases in the

proportions that say ‘know best what is good for people’
describes scientists well in Albania (78%, +32 pp) and
Montenegro (74%, +24 pp).

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In 20 EU Member States, a majority of respondents say that Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, respondents
‘altruistic’ describes scientists well. The proportion is in Türkiye (90%) are most likely to say that ‘altruistic’
highest in Hungary (58%) and in Italy and Malta (both 56%). describes scientists well.

In seven Member States, respondents are more likely to say Respondents are more likely to say this describes scientists
this describes scientists badly as say it describes them well. badly as say it describes them well in Bosnia and
More than half of respondents say ‘altruistic’ describes Herzegovina (52% badly), Serbia (42% badly vs. 41% well)
scientists badly in the Netherlands (60%) and Austria and and North Macedonia (39% badly vs. 40% well).
Belgium (both 55%).
More than a third of respondents give a ‘don’t know’ answer
in Latvia (37%) and Bulgaria (36%).

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Since 2021, the proportion of respondents that say In 13 EU countries, this proportion has decreased, most
‘altruistic’ describes scientists well has increased in 12 EU notably in Estonia (35%, -22 pp) and Portugal (40%, -18
Member States. The largest increases can be seen in pp).
Bulgaria (35%, +12 pp), Italy (56%, +8 pp) and Poland (49%,
+8 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in Albania in the proportion that says
‘altruistic’ describes scientists well (57%, +20 pp). The
largest decrease can be seen in the UK (48%, -10 pp).

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In seven EU Member States, a majority of respondents say Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the majority view
that ‘bad at communicating’ describes scientists well. The in North Macedonia is that ‘bad at communicating’ describes
largest proportions can be seen in Italy (55%), Luxembourg scientists well (53%), while equal proportions in Serbia say
(53%) and Belgium (49%). In 18 Member States, the it describes them well and badly (both 47%). Otherwise, the
prevailing view is that it describes scientists badly, and this prevailing view is that ‘bad at communicating’ describes
view is held most strongly by respondents in Hungary (69%), scientists badly, particularly in Türkiye (79%).
Malta (58%) and in Portugal and Romania (both 55%). In
other two EU countries, equal proportions say this describes
scientists well and say it describes them badly: Croatia (both
45%) and Sweden (both 46%).

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In 16 EU Member States, there has been an increase since There are eight EU countries where respondents are less
2021 in the proportion of respondents that say ‘bad at likely than in 2021 to say this describes scientists well, most
communicating’ describes scientists well. The largest notably in Portugal (18%, -20 pp), Lithuania (32%, -11 pp)
increases can be seen in Croatia (45%, +13 pp), Poland and Finland (40%, -9 pp).
(44%, +12 pp), Bulgaria (28%, +11 pp), Italy (55%, +11 pp),
and Cyprus (42%, +11 pp).

Outside of the EU, there have been large increases in the

proportions that say ‘bad at communicating’ describes
scientists well in North Macedonia (53%, +20 pp), Serbia
(47%, +13 pp), the United Kingdom (45%, +10 pp), and
Bosnia and Herzegovina (40%, +10pp). The only decrease
can be seen in Türkiye (19%, -14 pp).

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The proportion of respondents who describe scientists as In the remaining 25 Member States, a majority thinks that
‘arrogant’ varies considerably by Member State, from 53% ‘arrogant’ is a bad description for scientists. The highest
in Cyprus to 14 in Hungary. Overall, there are two countries proportions are seen in Hungary (77%), Sweden (72%) and
where a majority think ‘arrogant’ describes scientists well: the Netherlands (71%).
Cyprus (53%) and Poland (49% well, 43% badly).

Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the prevailing However, in the other countries a majority say this describes
view in Montenegro is that ‘arrogant’ describes scientists scientists badly, especially in Türkiye (84%).
well (55%).

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Respondents in 19 EU countries are more likely than in 2021 This proportion has declined in seven EU Member States,
to say that ‘arrogant’ describes scientists well. The largest with the largest decreases seen in Greece (43%, -7 pp),
increases can be seen in Cyprus (53%, +12 pp) and Estonia Finland (20%, -7 pp) and Lithuania (22%, -7 pp).
(24%, +11 pp).

Of the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increase in

the proportion that say ‘arrogant’ describes scientists well
can be seen in Montenegro (55%, +29 pp). The largest
decrease can be seen in Türkiye (14%, -14 pp).

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Respondents in Slovenia (47%) are the most likely to say In every country except Slovenia, the majority of
that ‘narrow minded’ describes scientists well, followed by respondents think that ‘narrow minded’ describes scientists
those in Poland (42%) and Luxembourg (39%). Respondents badly, led by those in Malta (85%) and the Netherlands
are least likely to think ‘narrow minded’ is a good description (80%).
of scientists in Malta (7%), Finland (11%) and the
Netherlands (15%).

Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the majority in

each country say that ‘narrow minded’ describes scientists
badly, the proportion ranging from 90% in Türkiye to 50%
in North Macedonia.

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Since 2021, the proportion of respondents that say ‘narrow This proportion has decreased in just four EU countries, with
minded’ describes scientists well has increased in 22 EU the largest decrease seen in Finland (11%, -5 pp).
Member States. The largest increases can be seen in
Bulgaria (27%, +13 pp), Poland (42%, +12 pp) and Estonia
(27%, +10 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there have been

large increases in the proportions that say ‘narrow minded’
describes scientists well, the largest being in Montenegro
(38%, +17 pp) and North Macedonia (40%, +15 pp). The
largest decrease can be seen in Türkiye (9%, -9 pp).

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In every EU Member State, the majority view is that Respondents are most likely to say that ‘immoral’ describes
‘immoral’ describes scientists badly, and more than eight scientists well in Poland (36%), Slovenia (30%) and Austria
in ten respondents hold this view in Sweden (85%), the (28%).
Netherlands (82%) and Hungary (81%).

Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, respondents

in Montenegro (38%) are the most likely to say that
‘immoral’ describes scientists well, while respondents in
Türkiye are most likely to say this describes them badly
(93%).

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In comparison with 2021, the proportion of respondents that In ten EU countries, this proportion has decreased, most
say ‘immoral’ describes scientists well has increased in 15 notably in Lithuania (13%, -8 pp) and Malta (23%, -8 pp).
EU Member States. The largest increases can be seen in
Cyprus (25%, +11 pp), Austria (28%, +9 pp), Croatia (27%,
+9 pp), Belgium (25%, +9 pp) and Poland (36%, +9 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in Montenegro in the proportion that says
‘immoral’ describes scientists well (38%, +24 pp). The
largest decrease can be seen in Türkiye (6%, -9 pp).

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Overall, around a third of EU citizens (35%) only associate The proportion is lowest in Luxembourg (22%), Poland
scientists with positive characteristics. This proportion is (24%) and Slovenia (25%).
highest among respondents in Hungary (53%), Bulgaria
(50%) and Malta (48%).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportions that

only associate scientists with positive characteristics range
from 68% in Türkiye to 18% in Montenegro.

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There are just four EU Member States where respondents In four countries, there has been a fall of more than ten
are now more likely than in 2021 to only associate scientists percentage points in the proportion that only associates
with positive characteristics. These are: Finland (46%, +8 scientists with positive characteristics: Cyprus (29%, -14
pp), Greece (39%, +5 pp), Slovakia (46%, +3 pp) and pp), Croatia (33%, -14 pp), Bulgaria (50%, -13 pp) and
Lithuania (44%, +3 pp). The proportion has stayed the same Estonia (40%, -13 pp).
in France (34%) and Malta (48%), while it has decreased in
the other 21 EU countries.

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there have been There has been no change in Kosovo (47%), but there have
large increases in the proportions that only associate been large decreases in the other five countries, most
scientists with positive characteristics in Albania (57%, +19 notably in Montenegro (18%, -24 pp) and the UK (33%, -16
pp) and Türkiye (68%, +18 pp). pp).

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Socio-demographic table

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Respondents were shown a list of ten characteristics, and The results are broadly consistent with the 2021 survey,
were asked to choose up to three qualities that they with no changes of more than three percentage points.
think scientists should have 21.
In general, the qualities that respondents think are
Europeans are most likely to choose ‘intelligence’ as a important are consistent with the characteristics they
quality that they think scientists should have (49%, -1 associate with scientists. For example, ‘intelligence’ is most
percentage point since 2021), closely followed by ‘honesty’ likely to be seen as a quality that scientists should have, and
(46%, +3 pp) and ‘reliability’ (41%, +2 pp). Just over one in it is also the characteristic that is most frequently
three choose ‘morality’ (35%, +1 pp). While around one in associated with scientists. This suggests that Europeans
four respondents say that scientists should have ‘open hold a generally favourable view of scientists and associate
mindedness’ (26%, no change) and ‘knowledge of what is them with positive characteristics that are in line with the
good for people’ (25%, no change). things they see as important.

Other qualities are ranked lower in importance: the ‘ability

to work with citizens 22’ (18%), ‘communication skills’ (17%,
+1 pp), ‘altruism’ (12%, no change) and ‘modesty’ (10%, +2
pp).

21
QA10b. Please choose the three qualities that you think scientists should 22
This item was not included in the 2021 survey.
have (MAX. 3 ANSWERS).

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There are variations in the findings for EU Member States. Estonia (22%), while respondents in Ireland (5%) are least
Respondents in Czechia (67%), Portugal (65%) and likely to mention it.
Luxembourg (62%) are the most likely to say that
‘intelligence’ is a quality that scientists should have, while Finally, ‘modesty’ is the quality that ranks lowest in
this is least likely to be mentioned by respondents in Greece importance in most EU Member States. It is most likely to
(34%) and Poland (37%). There are 14 Member States be chosen by respondents in Sweden and Romania (both
where ‘intelligence’ is the quality most commonly 17%).
mentioned by respondents.
Comparing the eight non-EU countries, respondents in
‘Honesty’ is mentioned most frequently by respondents in Türkiye are the most likely to say that ‘intelligence’ (62%)
Ireland (58%), Lithuania (57%) and Malta (56%), and least and ‘altruism’ (28%) are qualities that scientists should
frequently by those in Czechia (20%) and Romania (22%). It have, while respondents in the UK are most likely to choose
is the response given most frequently in eight EU countries. ‘intelligence’ and ‘honesty’ (both 58%) as well as ‘open
mindedness’ (33%) as desired qualities. Respondents in
Respondents in the Netherlands are most likely to say that Albania are the most likely to mention ‘reliability’ (54%),
‘reliability’ is a quality that scientists should have (58%), while those in Kosovo are most likely to say that
followed by those in Finland (52%) and Hungary (49%). It is ‘communication skills’ (24%) is a desired quality in
least likely to be mentioned by respondents in Portugal scientists. ‘Modesty’ is chosen most frequently by
(28%) and in Austria and Slovenia (both 30%). This is the respondents in Bosnia and Herzegovina (15%). While
highest ranked answer in three Member States: the ‘morality‘ is chosen most frequently by respondents in
Netherlands, Hungary and Italy. Serbia (39%), and the ‘ability to work with citizens’ is most
likely to be seen as a desired quality by respondents in North
‘Morality’ is chosen most frequently by respondents in Macedonia (24%). ‘Knowledge of what is good for people’ is
Greece (52%), Cyprus (51%), Denmark (49%) and Slovakia chosen most frequently in North Macedonia, along with
(48%), while the proportion is lowest in Latvia and Lithuania Serbia (both 37%).
(both 20%). This is the most commonly chosen answer in
Greece and Slovakia.

Respondents in Austria (25%) and in France and Croatia

(both 23%) are most likely to say the ‘ability to work with
citizens’ is a desired quality for scientists, while this is least
likely to be chosen by those in Sweden (10%) and in
Slovakia, Italy and the Netherlands (all 14%).

‘Open mindedness’ is particularly valued by respondents in

Sweden (40%), Latvia (36%) and Poland (35%), with
respondents least likely to choose this quality in Croatia
(8%) and Slovenia (16%).

Respondents in Bulgaria (50%) and Croatia (42%) are the

most likely to say that ‘knowledge of what is good for
people’ is a desired quality for scientists, while this is least
likely to be mentioned by those in Luxembourg (8%) and the
Netherlands (9%).

‘Communication skills’ are mentioned most frequently by

respondents in Germany (26%) and in Czechia and Ireland
(both 24%), and least frequently by those in Poland (10%)
and in Greece and Slovakia (both 11%).

‘Altruism’ is a quality that is most highly valued for

scientists in the Netherlands (35%), Hungary (25%) and

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In eight EU Member States, there has been an increase since Member States, most notably in Latvia (36%, -15 pp) and
2021 in the proportion of respondents who say that Ireland (29%, -13 pp).
‘intelligence’ is a quality that scientists should have. The
largest increases can be observed in Latvia (42%, +8 pp) Outside of the EU, the largest increase can be seen in
and Slovenia (43%, +6 pp). In 17 EU countries, the Albania (25%, +15 pp), while the largest decrease is in the
proportion has declined, with the largest decreases seen in UK (33%, -11 pp).
Bulgaria (43%, -11 pp) and Czechia (67%, -11 pp).
In ten EU countries, respondents are now more likely to say
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a that ‘knowledge of what is good for people’ is a quality
large increase in Albania (55%, +31 pp), while the largest that scientists should have. This includes some large
decrease can be seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina (52%, -14 increases in Portugal (35%, +12 pp) and Ireland (31%, +11
pp) pp). The proportion that mentions ‘knowledge of what is
good for people’ has decreased in 16 EU Member States,
There has been an increase in 22 EU countries in the with the largest decrease seen in Slovenia (37%, -9 pp).
proportion choosing ‘honesty’ as an important quality for
scientists. The largest increases can be found in the In the non-EU countries, the proportion choosing ‘knowledge
Netherlands (44%, +9 pp), Slovakia (44%, +8 pp), Spain of what is good for people’ as an important quality has
(51%, +8 pp) and Cyprus (55%, +8 pp). The proportion has increased markedly in Albania (36%, +19 pp), while it has
remained the same in three EU countries and has decreased decreased substantially in Montenegro (27%, -17 pp).
in two.
The main changes for the other attributes are as follows:
In the non-EU countries, the proportion that chooses
 The proportion choosing ‘communication skills’ has
‘honesty’ has increased markedly in Albania (41%, +23 pp) not changed by more than five percentage points in any
and Serbia (38%, +11 pp), while it has decreased the most EU country. However, there has been a large increase in
in Türkiye (35%, -8 pp). Kosovo (24%, +10 pp).
 Within the EU, the largest shifts in the proportions
In 16 EU Member States, respondents are more likely than
choosing ‘altruism’ as an important quality can be seen
in 2021 to say that ‘reliability’ is a quality that scientists
in Portugal (8%, -7 pp) and Estonia (22%, -7 pp). There
should have, with the largest increases in Ireland (34%, +19 has also been a large increase in Türkiye (28%, +11 pp).
pp) and Lithuania (45%, +11 pp). There has been a decrease
 Among EU countries, the proportion choosing ‘modesty’
in ten EU countries, most notably in Estonia (38%, -11 pp).
has increased the most in Czechia (15%, +8 pp), and
there has also been an equivalent increase in Bosnia and
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest change
Herzegovina (15%, +8 pp).
is the increase in Albania (54%, + 23 pp).

The proportion choosing ‘morality’ as an important quality

has increased in nine EU Member States, with the largest
increase in Bulgaria (30%, +8 pp) and Spain (30%, +7 pp).
Among the 17 EU countries showing a decrease, the largest
are seen in Czechia (43%, -13 pp), Ireland (26%, -11 pp) and
Latvia (20%, -11 pp).

Outside of the EU, the largest change is in Serbia (39%, +9

pp).

There are 12 EU countries where there has been an increase

since 2021 in the proportion that says scientists should
have ‘open mindedness’. The largest increases can be seen
in Czechia (20%, +5 pp), Bulgaria (19%, +5 pp) and Estonia
(24%, +5 pp). This proportion has decreased in 12 EU

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Socio-demographic table

204
V. Citizens’ engagement in
science and technology

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This chapter focuses on citizens’ engagement with science

and technology. It starts by considering the appropriate level
of public involvement in decisions about science and
technology, and then examines aspects of the public’s
involvement and engagement in activities related to science
and technology. It then looks at ways in which citizens might
consider increasing their engagement.

The chapter then examines Europeans’ barriers to

engagement, and finally looks at the people and
organisations that are considered best qualified to explain
the impact of scientific and technological development on
society.

1. Desired public involvement in

decisions about science and
technology
Europeans want to be informed about decisions on
science and technology, but the majority think
decisions should be made by scientists, engineers
and politicians.
Respondents were asked for their views on the appropriate However, the majority of respondents think that decisions
level of public involvement in decision-making about science should be made by specialists. More than half say that
and technology. ‘decisions about science and technology should be made by
scientists, engineers and politicians, but the public should
Four in ten Europeans (40%, no change since 2021) think
always be informed’ (52%, no change), while 6% (-1 pp)
there should be some form of public consultation in decision
think that ‘the public does not need to be involved in
making about science and technology. Specifically, 8% (no
decisions about science and technology’ 23.
change) say that ‘public opinion should be the main concern
when making decisions about science and technology’, while These results have remained virtually unchanged since the
32% (no change) say that ‘the public should be consulted, 2021 survey.
and public opinion should be seriously considered’.

23
QA5. What level of public involvement do you think is appropriate when
it comes to decisions about science and technology?

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In three EU Member States, a majority of respondents Respondents are most likely to state that decisions on these
support public involvement in decision-making, particularly matters should be made by scientists, engineers and
saying that public opinion should be seriously considered politicians, but the public should be informed in the
when making decisions about science and technology: Netherlands (65%), Spain (64%) and Portugal (63%).
Finland (48%), Denmark (42%) and Romania (40%).
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, across the board
In 24 Member States, a majority oppose public involvement respondents believe that decisions on these matters should
in decision-making about science and technology, saying be made by scientists, engineers and politicians, but the
either that ‘decisions about science and technology should public should be informed, the prevalence of the opinion is
be made by scientists, engineers and politicians, but the led by Albania and Kosovo (both 59%) and Türkiye (53%).
public should always be informed’ or that ‘the public does
not need to be involved in decisions about science and
technology’.

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In 16 EU Member States, there has been an increase since The largest increases can be seen in Latvia (42%, +17 pp),
2021 in the proportion that supports public involvement in Finland (52%, +13 pp) and Lithuania (46%, +13 pp). This
decision making (saying either that public opinion should be proportion has decreased in eight EU countries, led by
the main concern or at least seriously considered). Austria (44%, -8 pp).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, support for public

involvement in decision making has increased the most in
the UK (50%, +13 pp) and Montenegro (39%, +13 pp).
Türkiye is the only country where this proportion has
decreased (30%, -6 pp).

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Socio-demographic table

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Respondents were asked about the various ways that they least occasionally: signing petitions or joining
engage with science and technology issues. demonstrations on science and technology matters (21%,
+2 pp), and providing personal data for scientific research
Europeans are most likely to say they engage with science (19%, no change). These activities are done regularly by 4%
and technology by watching documentaries or reading (no change) and 3% (-1 pp) respectively.
science and technology related publications, magazines or
books 24. Just under one in five respondents (18%, -3 More than one in ten say they attend public meetings or
percentage points since 2021) say they do this regularly and debates about science and technology (14%, no change), or
40% (+2 pp) occasionally. More than half of respondents actively take part in scientific projects (14%, +2 pp) at least
say they talk about science and technology-related issues occasionally. These activities are done regularly by 3% (no
with family or friends. Specifically, 14% (-3 pp) say they do change) and 4% (+1 pp) respectively.
this regularly and 38% (no change) occasionally. Around
The other activities are less common: taking part in clinical
three in ten (31%, -2 pp) say they visit science and
trials (11%, +1 pp) and contacting public authorities or
technology museums at least occasionally, including 5% (-
political leaders about science and technology-related
1 pp) who do this regularly.
issues (10%, +2 pp), In each case, 2% of respondents do
Around one in five respondents do the following activities at these activities regularly.

24
QA12. And now, a few questions on how you engage with science and
technology issues. Do you …. ?

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In 23 EU Member States, at least half of respondents say watch documentaries or read science and technology-
they regularly or occasionally watch documentaries or related publications, magazines or books in the Netherlands
read science and technology-related publications, (47%), Sweden (42%) and Luxembourg (40%). By contrast,
magazines or books. The proportion is highest in Sweden more than a third of respondents never do this in Portugal
and Finland (both 90%) and the Netherlands (87%). (40%) and in Poland and Romania (both 38%).
However, respondents are much less likely to watch
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
documentaries or read science and technology-related
that say they regularly or occasionally watch documentaries
publications, magazines or books, regularly or occasionally,
or read science and technology-related publications,
in Romania (32%), Poland (40%) and Portugal (41%).
magazines or books ranges from 76% in the UK to 46% in
Respondents are most likely to say that they ’regularly’ Albania.

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In 13 EU Member States, respondents are more likely than There are 12 EU countries where this proportion has
in 2021 to say that they watch documentaries or read decreased, with the largest in Portugal (41%, -46 pp),
science and technology-related publications, magazines or Ireland (64%, -22 pp) and Czechia (50%, -20 pp).
books (regularly or occasionally). The largest increases can
be seen in Slovakia (58%, +19 pp) Spain (61%, +11 pp),
Slovenia (76%, +9 pp) and Malta (73%, +9 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increases The largest decrease can be found in Türkiye (56%, -20 pp).
in the proportion saying they watch documentaries or read
science and technology-related publications, magazines or
books can be seen in Kosovo (65%, +18 pp), Montenegro
(51%, +17 pp) and Serbia (55%, +15 pp).

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There is considerable variation across EU Member States in The proportion that never talks about these issues is highest
the proportion of respondents who say they talk about in Portugal (50%), Italy (47%) and Poland (45%).
science and technology-related issues with family or
Looking at the non-EU countries, the proportion that say
friends. At least eight in ten respondents do this regularly
they talk about science and technology-related issues with
or occasionally in Sweden (88%), Finland and Luxembourg
family or friends (regularly or occasionally) is highest in the
(84%), the Netherlands (83%) and Denmark (81%). This
UK (68%) and lowest in Montenegro and Bosnia and
compares with less than four in ten respondents who do this
Herzegovina (both 45%).
occasionally or regularly in Italy (30%), Poland and Romania
(both 31%) and Portugal (34%). Respondents are most likely
to say they ‘regularly’ talk about science and technology-
related issues with family or friends in Sweden (44%), the
Netherlands (40%) and Denmark (38%).

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In 12 EU Member States, respondents are now more likely Among the 14 EU countries where this proportion has
than in 2021 to say that they talk about science and decreased, the largest falls can be seen in Portugal (34%, -
technology-related issues with family or friends (regularly 51 pp), Czechia (44%, -24 pp), Ireland (57%, -23 pp) and
or occasionally). The largest increases can be seen in Finland Estonia (61%, -23 pp).
(84%, +14 pp), Spain (55%, +10 pp), Sweden (88%, +10 pp)
and the Netherlands (83%, +10 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increases

in the proportion saying they talk about science and
technology-related issues with family or friends can be seen
in Serbia (54%, +17 pp) and Kosovo (62%, +17 pp). The
largest decrease can be found in Türkiye (61%, -15 pp).

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There is wide variation across EU Member States in the However, more than half of respondents never visit science
proportion of respondents who say they visit science and and technology museums in Portugal (64%) Greece (57%)
technology museums. In Luxembourg (55%) and Malta and Hungary (51%).
(52%), more than half of respondents say they do this
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
regularly or occasionally. By contrast, no more than a fifth
that say they visit science and technology museums
visit science and technology museums regularly or
(regularly or occasionally) is highest in the UK (48%) and
occasionally in Romania (18%), Greece (19%) and Portugal
lowest in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina (both 14%).
(20%).

Respondents are most likely to say they ‘regularly’ visit

science and technology museums in Luxembourg (12%) and
in Spain and the Netherlands (both 8%).

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In 13 EU countries, there has been an increase since 2021 This includes large decreases in Portugal (20%, -39 pp),
in the proportion of respondents that visit science and Ireland (32%, -23 pp) and Lithuania (35%, -19 pp).
technology museums (regularly or occasionally). The largest
increases can be seen in Spain (37%, +10 pp) and Malta
(52%, +9 pp). There are 11 EU countries where respondents
are now less likely to say they visit science and technology
museums.

Outside of the EU, the largest increase in the proportion that

says they visit science and technology museums can be
seen in Montenegro (35%, +18 pp). The largest decrease can
be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina (14%, -8 pp).

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Respondents in Austria are most likely to say that they sign Looking at the eight other countries surveyed, the proportion
petitions or join demonstrations on science and that say they sign petitions or join demonstrations on
technology matters: 13% say they do this regularly and science and technology matters (regularly or occasionally)
23% occasionally. The proportion that do this occasionally is highest in Montenegro (38%) and lowest in Albania (7%).
or regularly is also high in Luxembourg (36%) and the
Netherlands (35%).

By contrast, only around one in ten respondents do this

regularly or occasionally in Greece (8%) and Portugal (12%).
Greece and Portugal are also the countries where
respondents are most likely to say they never sign petitions
or join demonstrations on science and technology matters
(78% and 75%, respectively).

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15 EU Member States show an increase in the proportion of The proportion has decreased in ten EU countries, with large
respondents who sign petitions or join demonstrations on declines seen in Portugal (12%, -35 pp), Lithuania (14%, -
science and technology matters (regularly or occasionally). 26 pp) and Ireland (17%, -19 pp).
The largest increases can be observed in Slovakia (21%, +9
pp), Poland (20%, +8 pp) and Bulgaria (14%, +8 pp).

Analysis of non-EU countries shows a large increase in

Montenegro (38%, +20 pp) and a large decrease in Türkiye
(17%, -27 pp).

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There is wide variation across EU Member States in the Respondents are most likely to say they ‘regularly’ provide
proportions that say they provide personal data for personal data for scientific research in Denmark and the
scientific research. In four Member States, around half of Netherlands (both 13%), while the proportion that never
respondents or more say that they do this regularly or does this is highest in Portugal (85%) and Greece (83%).
occasionally: Finland (58%), the Netherlands (57%),
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
Denmark (52%) and Sweden (47%). By contrast, less than
that say they provide personal data for scientific research
one in ten provide personal data for scientific research
(regularly or occasionally) is highest in the UK (32%) and
regularly or occasionally in Greece (6%), Portugal (8%) and
lowest in Albania (11%).
Bulgaria and Lithuania (both 9%).

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In 13 EU Member States, respondents are more likely than There are some large changes among the 11 EU countries
in 2021 to say that they provide personal data for scientific where this proportion has decreased, with declines of more
research (regularly or occasionally). The largest increases than 30 percentage points in in Portugal (8%, -33 pp),
can be seen in Denmark (52%, +9 pp) and the Netherlands Ireland (19%, -32 pp) and Lithuania (9%, -32 pp).
(57%, +9 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increase

in the proportion saying they provide personal data for
scientific research can be seen in Montenegro (29%, +16
pp). The largest decrease can be found in Türkiye (23%, -30
pp).

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Respondents in Cyprus (30%), Austria (27%) and Austria (7%) and Cyprus (6%), while respondents are most
Luxembourg (22%) are most likely to say they attend likely to say they never do this in Portugal (85%) and
public meetings or debates about science and Lithuania (80%).
technology, either regularly or occasionally. Respondents
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
are least likely to do this occasionally or regularly in
that say they attend public meetings or debates about
Lithuania (7%), Portugal (8%) and Hungary (9%).
science and technology, either regularly or occasionally, is
‘Regular’ attendance at public meetings or debates about highest in Kosovo (35%), while it is lowest in Serbia (7%).
science and technology is most common in

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The largest increases in the proportions that attend Overall, this proportion has increased in 14 EU countries,
meetings or debates (regularly or occasionally) are seen in while it has decreased in nine, most notably in Lithuania
Cyprus (30%, +15 pp), Sweden (16%, +7 pp) and Austria (7%, -15 pp) and Portugal (8%, -11 pp).
(27%, +7 pp).

Analysis of the other countries surveyed shows a large

increase in Montenegro (+21 pp), while there has been a
marked decline in Türkiye (19%, -22 pp).

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In seven EU Member States, more than one in five while respondents are most likely to say they never do this
respondents say they actively take part in scientific in Portugal (84%) and in Greece and Lithuania (both 83%).
projects, either regularly or occasionally. The proportion is
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion
highest in the Netherlands (31%) and in Belgium and
that say they actively take part in scientific projects, either
Luxembourg (both 26%). By contrast, just 5% do this at
regularly or occasionally, ranges from 44% in Montenegro
least occasionally in both Greece and Lithuania.
to 9% in both Albania and Serbia.
‘Regular’ participation in scientific projects is most common
in Austria and the Netherlands (both 10%),

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Compared with 2021, there has been an increase in 18 EU This proportion has decreased in eight EU countries, most
Member States in the proportion of respondents that say notably in Lithuania (5%, -18 pp) and Portugal (9%, -14 pp).
they actively take part in scientific projects (regularly or
occasionally). The largest increases can be observed in
Poland (18%, +8 pp), the Netherlands (31%, +8 pp) and
Denmark (25%, +7 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in the proportion saying they actively take
part in scientific projects in Montenegro (44%, +32 pp),
while there has been a large decrease in Türkiye (22%, -25
pp).

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Respondents in Denmark (34%), Finland and Sweden (both Around nine in ten respondents say they never do this in
27%) and Estonia (25%) are the most likely to say they Greece (90%), France (89%) and Portugal (88%).
take part in clinical trials, either regularly or
occasionally. By contrast, very few respondents do this Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
regularly or occasionally in Greece (2%). Montenegro (27%) are most likely to say they take part in
clinical trials (regularly or occasionally), while those in
‘Regular’ participation in clinical trials is most common Albania and Serbia (both 4%) are least likely to say they do
Denmark (7%) and in Austria and the Netherlands (both this.
5%).

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In 17 EU Member States, respondents are more likely than There are eight EU countries where this proportion has
in 2021 to say that they take part in clinical trials (regularly decreased, with the largest declines in Lithuania (6%, -20
or occasionally). The largest increases can be seen in pp), Estonia (25%, -18 pp) and Luxembourg (13%, -10 pp).
Denmark (34%, +11 pp) and Sweden (27%, +9 pp).

Outside of the EU, respondents in Montenegro are much

more likely than in 2021 to say they take part in clinical
trials (27%, +16 pp), while this proportion has decreased
markedly in Türkiye (13%, -16 pp) and Albania (4%, -14 pp).

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Respondents in Austria (23%), Poland (18%) and Romania more than eight in ten respondents say they never do this
(17%) are most likely to say they regularly or occasionally in Lithuania and Portugal (both 87%), France (86%), Spain
contact public authorities or political leaders about (83%) and Greece (81%).
science and technology-related issues. Respondents are
Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
least likely to do this regularly or occasionally in Lithuania
Montenegro (34%) are most likely to say they regularly or
(3%) and in Greece (2%), France and Spain (all 5%).
occasionally contact public authorities or political leaders
‘Regular’ contact with public authorities or political leaders about science and technology-related issues, particularly
on these issues is most common in Austria (7%) and in the when compared with Serbia (6%).
Netherlands and Poland (both 4%), while

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In 18 EU Member States, respondents are more likely than Among the nine EU countries where this proportion has
in 2021 to say that they regularly or occasionally contact decreased, the largest falls can be seen in Lithuania (3%, -
public authorities or political leaders about science and 13 pp) and Ireland (10%, -6 pp).
technology-related issues. The largest increases can be seen
in Poland (18%, +9 pp), Belgium (14%, +6 pp) and Austria
(23%, +6 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increase The largest decreases can be found in Türkiye (16%, -17 pp)
in the proportion saying they contact public authorities or and Albania (8%, -12 pp).
political leaders about science and technology-related
issues can be seen in Montenegro (34%, +22 pp).

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Socio-demographic table

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Respondents were then asked to consider ways of demonstrations on science and technology matters (16%, -
increasing their engagement with science and 3 pp), providing personal data for scientific research (15%,
technology in the future. The most popular option among -3 pp), and attending public meetings or debates about
Europeans is watching documentaries or reading science science and technology (15%, -3 pp).
and technology-related publications, magazines, books or
One in seven would consider studying science and
podcasts 25 (43%, -5 pp) 26. A slightly lower proportion say
technology-related issues in their free time (14%, -1 pp),
they would consider talking about science and technology-
while the following activities would be considered by just
related issues with family or friends (39%, -7 pp). These two
over one in ten: taking part in clinical trials (12%, -3 pp),
activities are also the ones that respondents are most likely
actively taking part in scientific projects (11%, -1 pp) and
to do at present (as described above). In fact, the ranking of
taking part in the activities of a non-governmental
the various activities is very similar across the two
organisation dealing with science and technology-related
questions. This suggests that the popular ways of engaging
issues (11%, -1 pp).
with science and technology are also those that are
frequently used at present. Respondents are least likely to say they would consider
contacting public authorities or political leaders about
Just under three in ten respondents (28%, -5 pp) say they
science and technology related issues (7%, -1 pp), and
would consider visiting science and technology museums,
lending computer processing power to contribute to
while just under one in six would consider doing each of the
research on complex scientific questions (7%, -1 pp).
following: signing petitions or joining

25
Note that the wording of this item was different in the 2021 survey, with 26
QA13. Thinking now about the future, would you consider increasing your
‘podcasts’ excluded from the wording. engagement with science and technology by doing any of the following
things? Please select all that apply. (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE)

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The results are generally consistent across the 27 EU Large proportions also say they would consider taking part
Member States. In most countries, the same three options in activities in the Netherlands (for example 31% would
are chosen as the preferred forms of engagement: watching consider signing petitions or joining demonstrations on
documentaries or reading science and technology-related science and technology matters), Denmark (43% say they
publications, magazines, books or podcasts; talking about would take part in clinical trials) and Finland (45% say they
science and technology-related issues with family or would provide personal data for scientific research).
friends; and visiting science and technology museums.
By contrast, respondents in some countries are consistently
In some EU Member States, respondents are consistently less likely to say they would consider taking part in the
positive about engaging with science and technology in various activities: Poland (for example, 7% say they would
various ways. This applies in particular to Sweden, where consider attending public meetings or debates), Bulgaria
large proportions say they would consider activities such as (5% would consider taking part in the activities of a non-
watching documentaries or reading science and technology- governmental organisation), Portugal (7% would consider
related publications (75%), talking about science and attending public meetings or debates about science and
technology-related issues with family or friends (71%), technology), Romania (25% say they would consider talking
visiting science and technology museums (50%), studying about science and technology-related issues with family or
science and technology-related issues in their free time friends) and Latvia (5% would consider signing petitions or
(39%) and actively taking part in scientific projects (30%). joining demonstrations on science and technology matters).

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Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents are By contrast, respondents in Albania tend to be less likely to
most likely to say they would consider ways of increasing say they would consider the various forms of engagement
their engagement with science and technology in (for example, just 3% would consider taking part in clinical
Montenegro (for example 29% say they would actively be trials).
taking part in scientific projects) and Türkiye (for example,
23% would attend public meetings or debates about science
and technology).

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There have been some changes at the country level since falls are in relation to providing personal data for
the 2021 survey, in terms of the ways respondents would scientific research (5%, -32 pp) and signing petitions or
consider for increasing their engagement with science and joining demonstrations on science and technology
matters (14%, -25 pp).
technology in the future.
 Similarly, there are consistently large decreases for the
In five EU Member States, respondents are now more likely various activities in Ireland. The largest decreases are in
than in 2021 to say they would consider watching the proportions that would consider providing personal
documentaries or reading science and technology- data for scientific research (15%, -32 pp) and taking part
in clinical trials (12%, -22 pp).
related publications, magazines, books or podcasts 27.
The largest increases can be observed in Slovakia (46%, +9  There are also large decreases on several items in
Estonia, particularly in the proportion that would
pp) and Greece (56%, +5 pp). There are 19 EU countries
consider taking part in clinical trials (16%, -30 pp).
where this proportion has decreased, most notably in
Estonia (40%, -31 pp), Portugal (42%, -28 pp), Ireland (44%,  Among the non-EU countries, there are large increases
-26 pp) and Luxembourg (41%, -25 pp). for several activities in Montenegro; for example, in the
proportion that would consider actively taking part in
In the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion that would scientific projects (29%, +16 pp). By contrast, several
activities are less popular than in 2021 in the UK,
consider watching documentaries or reading science and
including providing personal data for scientific research
technology-related publications, magazines, books or (19%, -33 pp).
podcasts has increased the most in Albania (33%, +16 pp).
There have been sharp decreases in the UK (43%, -29 pp)
and Türkiye (27%, -23 pp).

Since 2021, there has been an increase in six EU countries

in the proportion that say they would consider talking
about science and technology-related issues with
family or friends. The largest increase can be seen in
Sweden (71%, +9 pp). Among the 20 EU countries where
this proportion has declined, the largest decreases can be
seen in Estonia (32%, -26 pp), Portugal (33%, -25 pp) and
Ireland (41%, -21 pp).

Outside of the EU, the largest increase can be found in

Kosovo (37%, +10 pp), while there has been a large
decrease in the UK (37%, -22 pp).

There are just six EU Member States where respondents are

more likely than in 2021 to say they would consider visiting
science and technology museums. None of the increases
are greater than three percentage points. In 18 EU countries,
there has been a decrease in the proportion saying they
would consider visiting science and technology museums,
with the largest in Portugal (22%, -25 pp) and Ireland (32%,
-23 pp).

Among the eight non-EU countries, the largest shift is the

substantial decrease observed in the UK (34%, -25 pp).

For the other types of activities, there are consistently large

shifts in specific countries:

 In Portugal, the proportion that would consider the

various options has decreased markedly. The largest

27
Note that the wording of this item was different in the 2021 survey, with ‘podcasts’
excluded from the wording.

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Socio-demographic table

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2. Barriers to engage with science

and technology

The main barriers to engagement with science and

technology are lack of time, lack of interest and lack
of knowledge.

Respondents say that their main barriers to engagement Less commonly reported barriers are: privacy concerns
with science and technology are lack of time (mentioned (15%, -1 pp), lack of financial resources (14%, -2 pp) and
by 40% of respondents, -1 percentage point since 2021), feeling that they would not be welcomed or that it is ‘not
lack of interest (37%, +3 pp) and lack of knowledge (36%, - something for them’ (13%, no change) 28.
3 pp). Some of the barriers relate to science and technology
activities or events: one in four (25%, -3 pp) cite a lack of
information about these activities or events, and just under
one in five (18%, -3 pp) mention a lack of or poor quality
activities or events in their area.

28
QA14. Sometimes people find it difficult to engage with science and
technology. Which of the following, if any, are the main barriers for
you? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE)

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Among the 27 EU Member States, lack of time is most A lack of financial resources is mentioned most
frequently mentioned by respondents as a barrier to frequently by respondents in Greece (26%), Romania (24%)
engagement with science and technology in Cyprus (62%), and Cyprus (23%), while respondents in Belgium (23%) and
Sweden (60%) and the Netherlands (55%). Lack of Finland (21%) are most likely to mention privacy
knowledge is cited most frequently by respondents in concerns. Respondents in Latvia (23%), Czechia (22%) and
Greece (47%), France (43%) and in Croatia and Luxembourg Belgium (21%) are most likely to feel that they would not
(both 42%). Lack of interest is most likely to be be welcomed or that it is ‘not something for them’.
mentioned by those in Portugal (50%), Croatia (46%) and
Lithuania (45%).

Respondents in Sweden (40%), Malta (38%) and Greece

(36%) are most likely to cite a lack of information on
activities and events as a barrier, while Malta and Croatia
(both 28%) rank highest for lack or poor quality of
activities or events in their area.

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Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, the main Respondents in Montenegro are particularly likely to
differences are that respondents in Türkiye (50%) are most mention the lack or poor quality of activities or events in
likely to mention a lack of interest as a barrier to their area (36%) and also privacy concerns (30%).
engagement with science and technology, while those in the
UK mention lack of time (49%), and those in Serbia are most
likely to mention a lack of knowledge (43%).

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In 13 EU Member States, respondents are now more likely The largest changes for the other barriers are as follows:
than in 2021 to say that their main barriers to engagement
with science and technology include a lack of time. This  Lack of information on activities or events related
to science and technology: this has decreased sharply
has increased the most in Greece (45%, +10 pp) and the
in Portugal (26%, -34 pp), Lithuania (15%, -18 pp),
Netherlands (55%, +7 pp). The proportion has decreased in Latvia (17%, -22 pp) and Belgium (28%, 18 pp). Outside
12 EU countries, most notably in Belgium (36%, -16 pp) and of the EU, there have also been large decreases in the
Luxembourg (44%, -11 pp). UK (19%, -21 pp), Albania (29%, -15 pp) and Türkiye
(23%, -15 pp), as well as a large increase in Kosovo
Outside of the EU, the proportion that say lack of time is a (29%, +11 pp).
barrier has increased markedly in Albania (35%, +24 pp)
 Lack of or poor quality activities or events in their
and Kosovo (41%, +11 pp). area: there have been large decreases in Ireland (24%,
-25 pp), Portugal (12%, -23 pp) and Lithuania (12%, -17
There have been some large increases in the proportions
pp). In the non-EU countries, large decreases can be seen
mentioning lack of interest as a barrier to engagement. in the UK (16%, -19 pp), and Türkiye (23%, -7 pp), as
Among EU countries, the largest increases can be seen in well as large increases in Montenegro (36%, +14 pp) and
Portugal (50%, +29 pp) and Estonia (40%, +20 pp). Overall, Albania (28%, +14 pp).
the proportion saying lack of interest is a barrier has  Privacy concerns: this has decreased most sharply in
increased in 15 EU countries, while it has decreased in ten, Portugal (13%, -14 pp) and Türkiye (11%, -16 pp).
with the largest decreases in Malta (31%, -7 pp), Bulgaria Outside of the EU, there has been a large increase in
(34%, -6 pp) and the Netherlands (24%, -6 pp). Montenegro (30%, +18 pp).
 The proportion mentioning a lack of financial
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion that
resources has decreased sharply in Portugal (10%, -22
say lack of interest is a barrier has increased sharply in
pp), and Lithuania (11%, -17 pp). In the other countries
Albania (40%, +29 pp) and Türkiye (50%, +18 pp). surveyed, there have also been large decreases in
Türkiye (27%, -21 pp) and North Macedonia (17%, -17
In four EU Member States, there has been an increase since pp).
2021 in the proportion saying lack of knowledge is a
 The feeling that they would not be welcomed or
barrier to engagement; none of these increases are greater
that it is ‘not something for them’: the largest
than three percentage points. However, some large changes are in Lithuania (8%, -12 pp) and, outside the
decreases can be observed, especially in Latvia (25%, -22 EU, in the UK (7%, -12 pp).
pp) and Portugal (36%, -20 pp).

In the non-EU countries, a large increase can be seen in

Albania (31%, +15 pp), while the largest decrease can be
found in the UK (24%, -20 pp).

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Socio-demographic table

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3. People and organisations

qualified to explain the impact of
scientific and technological
developments on society
Professional scientists are seen as best qualified to
explain the impact of scientific and technological
developments on society
Respondents were given a list of people and organisations, Just under one in five respondents (18%, -1 pp) think that
and were asked which they think are best qualified to journalists are among the best qualified people to explain
explain the impact of scientific and technological the impact of scientific and technological developments on
developments on society. society, followed by environmental protection associations
(16%, no change) and national governments (13%, -1 pp).
Professional scientists are chosen most frequently; Around one in ten choose consumer organisations (11%, -1
specifically, respondents feel that scientists working at a pp) or writers and intellectuals (10%, no change).
university or government-funded research organisation are
Just under one in ten choose family and friends (9%, +2 pp),
the best qualified (57%, -4 percentage points since 2021),
the EU (8%, -1 pp) and industry and private companies (8%,
followed by scientists working in an industrial or privately
no change).
funded research organisation (39%, -1 pp) 29.
The least frequently chosen options are people active on
Around a quarter (26%, -3 pp) choose general practitioners
online social networks and bloggers (7%, +1 pp), politicians
and specialist doctors as one of the categories of people
(5%, no change), the military (3%, no change) and religious
and organisations that are best qualified to explain these
leaders or representatives (2%, no change).
issues.

29
QA3. Among the following categories of people and organisations, which
are the best qualified to explain the impact of scientific and
technological developments on society? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS)

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In every EU Member State, respondents are most likely to Consumer organisations are chosen most frequently by
say that scientists working at a university or respondents in Denmark (23%) and the Netherlands (22%),
government-funded research organisation are the best while those in Sweden are the most likely to choose writers
qualified people to explain the impact of scientific and and intellectuals (20%). Respondents in Belgium, Cyprus
technological developments on society. The proportion and Hungary (all 22%) are most likely to say that the
choosing this option is highest in Sweden (71%) and Greece national government is well qualified to explain these
and Finland (both 70%). There are just four EU countries issues.
where less than half of respondents choose this option:
Romania (43%) and Latvia, Slovenia and Poland (all 48%). The EU is chosen most frequently by respondents in
Belgium (16%) and Italy (13%), while respondents in
At least half of respondents in Spain and Malta (both 56%) Denmark (14%) are most likely to mention industry and
and in Croatia (50%) say that scientists working in an private companies.
industrial or privately funded research organisation
are best qualified to explain these issues, while the Family and friends are chosen most frequently by
proportion is lowest in the Netherlands (19%) and in respondents in Cyprus (17%) and Latvia (16%), while
Belgium and Sweden (both 25%). respondents in Croatia (14%) are most likely to choose
people active on online social networks and bloggers.
Respondents are most likely to choose general Respondents in Finland are most likely to choose the
practitioners and specialist doctors in Greece (49%), military (11%). The other two options (politicians and
followed by those in Malta (37%) and Slovakia (33%), while religious leaders or representatives) are both chosen by
the proportion is lowest in Poland (13%), Latvia (15%) and
fewer than 10% of respondents in every EU Member State.
Lithuania (16%).

Respondents in the Netherlands (45%) and Sweden (37%)

are the most likely to say that journalists are among the
best qualified people to explain the impact of scientific and
technological developments on society, while those in
France (25%) and Hungary (20%) are most likely to choose
environmental protection associations.

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Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in Those in Albania (37%) are the most likely to choose general
Serbia (67%) are most likely to say that scientists working practitioners and specialist doctors. Journalists are chosen
at a university or government-funded research organisation most frequently by respondents in Kosovo (19%).
are the best qualified people to explain the impact of
scientific and technological developments on society. In addition, relatively high proportions choose other options,
Respondents in North Macedonia and Serbia (both 44%) are such as the national government (44% in Türkiye) and
the most likely to choose scientists working in an industrial environmental protection associations (22% in Serbia).
or privately funded research organisation.

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Compared with the 2021 survey, there have been some  Environmental protection associations: among the
changes at the country level in respondents’ views on the EU countries, the largest shift is the decrease in Portugal
people or organisations that are best qualified to explain the (9%, -14 pp). Outside the EU, the largest change is in
impact of scientific and technological developments on Serbia (22%, +10 pp).
society.  The proportion choosing national governments has
increased markedly in Belgium (22%, +14 pp), Cyprus
In three EU Member States, there has been an increase in (22%, +12 pp) and Portugal (20%, +11 pp). Among the
the proportion that say scientists working at a non-EU countries, there has been a large increase in
university or government-funded research Türkiye (44%, +20 pp), as well as a large decrease in
Kosovo (17%, -15 pp).
organisation are best qualified: Hungary (56%, +5 pp),
Poland (48%, +4 pp) and Austria (50%, +4 pp). By contrast,  Respondents in Türkiye are much less likely to choose
this proportion has decreased in 22 EU countries, most writers and intellectuals (6%, -19 pp).
notably in Estonia (54%, -28 pp), Ireland (54%, -26 pp),  Family and friends are mentioned more frequently by
Belgium (50%, -25 pp) and Latvia (48%, -21 pp). respondents in Ireland (15%, +13 pp) and Estonia (14%,
+10 pp).
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
 There has been a fall in the proportion choosing the EU
Albania are much more likely to give this answer than in in Portugal (11%, -10 pp), and this has also decreased
2021 (56%, +34 pp), while there has been a large decrease in Albania (11%, -22 pp).
in Montenegro (44%, -24 pp) and in the UK (59%, -20 pp).

There are seven EU countries where respondents are more

likely to mention scientists working in an industrial or
privately funded research organisation, the largest
being in France (39%, +4 pp). Among the 18 EU countries
where there has been a decrease, the largest are in Latvia
(35%, -18 pp) and Sweden (25%, -18 pp).

Outside of the EU, there has been a large increase in Albania

(42%, +27 pp), while the proportion has decreased most
sharply in Montenegro (41%, -19 pp) and the UK (37%, -17
pp).

The proportion of respondents that say general

practitioners and specialist doctors are best qualified
to explain the impact of scientific and technological
developments on society has increased in eight EU
countries. The largest increases can be seen in Slovakia
(33%, +9 pp) and Sweden (25%, +8 pp). This proportion has
decreased in 17 EU countries, with the largest falls in Cyprus
(27%, -22 pp) and Malta (37%, -11 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the largest increase

can be seen in Albania (37%, +29 pp), while the largest
decrease is in the UK (19%, -10 pp).

There have also been some large shifts since 2021 for other
responses:

 The proportion that choose journalists has increased

markedly in Sweden (37%, +17 pp), Latvia 27% (+12
pp), Cyprus (24%, +12 pp) and Lithuania (23%, +10 pp).
It has decreased most sharply in Luxembourg (20%, -10
pp). Outside of the EU, the largest shift is in Albania
(15%, +10 pp).

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VI. Diversity, inclusiveness
and social responsibility in
science and technology

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This chapter looks at issues of diversity, inclusiveness and

social responsibility in science and technology. Firstly, the
chapter examines views on young people and science and
technology. It then looks at the role of science and
technology in relation to inclusiveness and social
responsibility. The final section of the chapter focuses on
gender equality in the science and technology workforce.

1. Young people and science and

technology
The majority of Europeans are optimistic about the
future for young people and science and technology.

Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or

disagreed with three statements about science and
technology and young people:

 “Young people’s interest in science is essential for our

future prosperity” 30;
 “Science prepares the younger generation to act as well-
informed citizens” 31;
 “Thanks to science and technology, there will be more
opportunities for future generations” 32.

Respondents were first asked the extent to which they agree

or disagree with the statement “young people’s interest
in science is essential for our future prosperity”.

More than eight in ten respondents (82%, -3 percentage

points since 2021) agree that young people’s interest in
science is essential for our future prosperity, with around
four in ten (41%, -7 pp) saying that they “strongly agree”. A
very small minority of respondents (5%, +1 pp) disagree
that young people’s interest in science is essential, with
fewer still (1%, no change) saying they “strongly disagree”.
Just over one in ten respondents (12%, +2 pp) are neutral,
saying they neither agree nor disagree.

Overall, the results show a slight decrease in agreement

since 2021, in particular in terms of the proportion who
“strongly agree” (-7 pp).

30
QA7.6. The following are some statements that people have made about extent you agree or disagree. Science prepares the younger generation
science or technology. For each statement, please indicate to what to act as well-informed citizens.
extent you agree or disagree. Young people’s interest in science is 32
essential for our future prosperity. QA8.4. The following are some statements that people have made about
science and technology. For each statement, please indicate to what
31
QA8.2. The following are some statements that people have made about extent you agree or disagree. Thanks to science and technology, there
science and technology. For each statement, please indicate to what will be more opportunities for future generations.

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Just under seven in ten respondents (68%, -1 pp) agree that

“thanks to science and technology, there will be more
opportunities for future generations”, with one in five
(20%, -3 pp) saying that they “totally agree”. One in nine
respondents disagree (11%, no change), with only a small
proportion (3%, no change) saying that they “totally
disagree”. Around one in five respondents (19%, +1 pp)
neither agree nor disagree with the statement.

Around six in ten respondents (61%, no change) agree that

“science prepares the younger generation to act as
well-informed citizens”, including one in six (17%, -2 pp)
saying that they “totally agree”.

Around one in six respondents (16%, no change) disagree

with the statement, with only a small proportion (4%, no
change) saying they “totally disagree”. One in five
respondents (21%, no change) are neutral.

Results have remained similar to the 2021 survey for these

two questions, although in both cases, there has been a
slight decrease in the proportion that “totally agrees”.

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Attitudes towards these statements vary considerably both Respondents in Romania (57%) and Croatia (68%) are the
within the EU and among the non-EU countries included in least likely to agree that young people’s interest in science
the survey. is essential for our future prosperity. In fact, more than one
in five respondents in Romania (22%) disagree with the
The majority of respondents in all EU Member States agree statement, more than double the proportion in any other EU
with the statement “young people’s interest in science country.
is essential for our future prosperity”. Respondents in
Sweden (97%), the Netherlands (95%), Denmark (93%) and Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the proportion of
Finland (92%) are most likely to agree. Respondents in respondents who agree that young people’s interest in
Sweden (80%) are particularly likely to “strongly agree” with science is essential for our future prosperity is highest in the
the statement, followed by respondents in the Netherlands UK (89%). Respondents in Bosnia and Herzegovina (62%)
(71%) and Malta (68%). are the least likely to agree with the statement.

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Comparing the current results to the 2021 findings, the Among the 15 EU Member States where the proportion of
proportion of respondents who agree that young people’s respondents who agree with this statement has decreased,
interest in science is essential for our future prosperity has the most notable shifts are in Estonia (82%, -14 pp),
increased in eight EU Member States, with the largest Romania (57%, -11 pp), Belgium (28%, -11 pp) and Czechia
increase seen in Denmark (93%, +7 pp). (83%, -10 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a The largest decreases can be seen in Bosnia and
large increase in the proportion of respondents who agree Herzegovina (62%, -16 pp) and Türkiye (80%, -10 pp).
that young people’s interest in science is essential for our
future prosperity in Albania (79%, +51 pp).

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The majority of respondents in all EU Member States agree The lowest levels of agreement on this measure are seen in
with the statement “science prepares the younger the Netherlands (43%), Slovenia (48%) and France (50%).
generation to act as well-informed citizens”.
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, a notably high
More than three-quarters of respondents agree that science proportion of respondents in Kosovo (82%) and Türkiye
prepares the younger generation to act as well-informed (81%) agree that science prepares the younger generation
citizens in Portugal (80%), Ireland (79%) and Latvia (77%). to act as well-informed citizens, with around half of
More than a third of respondents say they “totally agree” respondents in Kosovo (49%) saying that they “totally
with this statement in Malta (38%), Cyprus and Ireland (both agree”. The agreement is lowest in Bosnia and Herzegovina
35%) and Latvia (34%). (52%).

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Comparing the current results with those in 2021, in 14 EU There are 11 EU countries where agreement has fallen, with
Member States the proportion of respondents who agree the largest decreases in Cyprus (66%, -11 pp) and Spain
that science prepares the younger generation to act as well- (67%, -8 pp).
informed citizens has increased, with the biggest shifts in
Ireland (79%, +15 pp), Lithuania (69%, +11 pp), Belgium
(57%, +11 pp) and Finland (73%, +10 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, there has been a

large increase in agreement in Albania (72%, +40 pp), while
the largest decrease can be seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(52%, -9 pp).

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The majority of respondents in all EU Member States agree Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
that “thanks to science and technology, there will be Türkiye (81%) and Kosovo (80%) are most likely to agree
more opportunities for future generations”: that thanks to science and technology, there will be more
opportunities for future generations, with notably high
Agreement is highest in Finland (82%) followed by Ireland, proportions saying they “totally agree” in Kosovo (52%). A
Latvia and Lithuania (79% in each). Respondents are most relatively low proportion of respondents in Bosnia and
likely to say they “totally agree” with this statement in Herzegovina (50%) agree with the statement.
Finland (37%) and in Malta and Lithuania (both 36%). The
lowest levels of agreement are seen in Romania (53%) and
France (56%).

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Comparing the current results to those of 2021, there are Among the 13 countries showing a decrease in the
11 EU Member States where the proportion of respondents proportions agreeing with this statement, the largest can be
who agree that science and technology will provide more found in Bulgaria (71%, -8 pp) and Hungary (70%, -7 pp).
opportunities for future generations has increased, with the
largest rises seen in Sweden (78%, +9 pp), Ireland (79%, +8
pp) and Slovakia (71%, +8 pp).

Again, there has been a steep increase in agreement in

Albania (75%, +43 pp), while there has been a substantial
decrease in Bosnia and Herzegovina (50%, -16 pp).

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2. Inclusiveness and social

responsibility in science and
technology

Most Europeans think science and technology

should be inclusive, even if this is not necessarily
the case at present.
Respondents were asked whether they agree or disagree no change) disagree, while 19% (+2 pp) are neutral and 2%
with a number of statements about the role of science and (no change) say they don’t know.
technology in relation to inclusiveness and social Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or
responsibility 33. disagreed that “science and technology could be used
Firstly, respondents were asked the extent to which they to help improve the environment and tackle climate
agree or disagree that “science and technology should change, but in practice they mostly help companies
consider the needs of all groups of people when make money” 36.
developing new solutions and products”.
Just under two-thirds of EU citizens agree (64%, -1
Just over three-quarters of EU citizens (77%, -1 percentage percentage point since 2021), and this includes 22% (-5 pp)
point since 2021) agree that science and technology should who “strongly agree”. Just over one in ten (13%, no change)
consider the needs of all groups of people when developing disagree, while 21% (+1 pp) are neutral and 2% (no change)
new solutions and products. This includes 35% (-4 pp) who say they don’t know.
“strongly agree.” A small minority of respondents disagree
More than six in ten EU citizens (63%, +2 percentage points
with this statement (6%, no change), with only a very small
since 2021) agree that “involving non-scientists in
proportion (1%, no change) saying they “strongly disagree”.
research and technological development ensures that
Around one in seven respondents (15%, +1 pp) are neutral
science and technology respond to the needs, values
(neither agree nor disagree).
and expectations of society”, with 17% (-2 pp) saying
Respondents were asked how strongly they agreed or they strongly agree. Only around one in ten respondents
disagreed that “science and technology could be used (11%, -1 pp) disagree with the statement, including 3% (no
to improve everyone's lives, but in practice they change) who say they “strongly disagree”. As on other
mostly improve the lives of people who are already issues, for “science and technology could be used to
better off” 34. Around six in ten Europeans agree (61%, +4 help improve the environment and tackle climate
percentage points since 2021), including 20% (no change) change, but in practice they mostly help companies
who say they “strongly agree”. One in six (16%, -4 pp) make money” results are generally in line with those seen
disagree, while 21% (no change) are neutral and 2% (no in in the 2021 survey, although the proportion of
change) say they don’t know. respondents who “strongly agree” has fallen somewhat.
Respondents were then asked how strongly they agreed or
disagreed that “science and technology could be used
to improve living conditions in less developed
countries, but in practice they mostly improve living
conditions in well-off countries” 35.

Just over two in three respondents (68%, -2 percentage

points since 2021) agree with this statement, with 23% (-4
pp) saying they “strongly agree”. Just over one in ten (11%,

33 35
QA15. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following The wording of this item has been modified slightly since the 2021
statements? survey.
34 36
The wording of this item has been modified slightly since the 2021 The wording of this item has been modified slightly since the 2021
survey. survey.

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In every EU Member State, the majority of respondents In every EU country, at least half of respondents agree with
agree that science and technology should consider the the statement that ‘science and technology could be used
needs of all groups of people when developing new to help improve the environment and tackle climate change,
solutions and products. Respondents are most likely to but in practice they mostly help companies make money’,
agree with the statement in Ireland (90%), Spain (89%) and although proportions range from 80% in Spain and 74% in
Cyprus (88%). More than half of respondents say they both Cyprus and Portugal, to 50% in the Netherlands and
“strongly agree” in Cyprus (60%), Spain (56%), Malta (53%) 51% in both Denmark and Romania. More than a third of
and Greece (51%). Respondents are least likely to agree in respondents “strongly agree” in Cyprus (41%), Spain (37%)
Romania (53%) and Poland (69%). and Ireland (35%).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, the UK (83%) and In the non-EU countries, levels of agreement range from
Serbia (81%) have the highest proportions who agree that 77% in North Macedonia to 61% in Türkiye.
science and technology should consider the needs of all
groups of people when developing new solutions and A majority of respondents agree with the statement that
products. Agreement is lowest among respondents in “involving non-scientists in research and technological
Montenegro (56%). development ensures that science and technology respond
to the needs, values and expectations of society” in all 27
In all EU Member States, respondents are more likely to EU Member States. Agreement is highest in Finland (82%),
agree than disagree that “science and technology could be Malta (76%) and Denmark (75%), while it is lowest in
used to improve everyone’s lives but in practice they mostly Romania (46%), Sweden (51%) and Greece (55%).
improve the lives of people who are already better off”. The Respondents are most likely to “agree strongly” in Finland
highest levels of agreement can be seen in Portugal (76%), (33%) and Malta (31%).
Spain (73%) and Slovenia (71%). By contrast, only around
half of respondents agree in the Netherlands (48%) and in Looking at the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents are
France and Finland (both 50%). most likely to agree with the statement in the UK and Serbia
(both 72%), while agreement is lowest in Albania (55%).
There are eight countries where more than a quarter of
respondents “strongly agree” with this statement, with the
highest proportions in Cyprus (33%) and Spain (32%).

In countries outside the EU, the proportions that agree range

from 75% in North Macedonia to 61% in the UK. In all cases,
respondents are more likely to agree than disagree with the
statement.

In all EU Member States, a majority of respondents agree

that “science and technology could be used to improve living
conditions in less developed countries, but in practice they
mostly improve living conditions in well-off countries”.
Proportions range from 82% of respondents in Spain, 77%
in Sweden and 76% in both Portugal and Slovenia, to 52%
in Romania, 59% in Latvia and 61% in Germany. The
proportion that “strongly agrees” is highest in Spain (42%),
Cyprus (39%) and Sweden (37%).

Across non-EU countries, levels of agreement range from

77% in North Macedonia to 66% in both Türkiye and Kosovo.

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Compared with 2021, there are 20 EU Member States where Outside of the EU, agreement has increased markedly in
respondents are now more likely to agree that “science and Albania (70%, +40 pp), while the largest decrease in
technology could be used to improve everyone’s lives but in agreement can be seen in Türkiye (61%, -13 pp).
practice they mostly improve the lives of people who are
already better off”. The largest increases can be seen in There are 19 EU Member States where agreement has risen
Portugal (76%, +22 pp), Czechia (64%, +18 pp) and Estonia since 2021, on the issue of whether “involving non-
(59%, +16 pp). Agreement has fallen in six EU countries, scientists in research and technological development
with the largest decreases in Romania (54%, -7 pp) and ensures that science and technology respond to the needs,
Cyprus (69%, -6 pp). values and expectations of society”. The largest increases
can be seen in Malta (76%, +14 pp), Lithuania (73%, +14
Among the non-EU countries, agreement has increased pp), Finland (82%, +12 pp) and Denmark (75%, +12 pp).
markedly in Albania (71%, +43 pp), with a large increase Agreement has decreased in six EU countries, with the
also seen in the UK (61%, +16 pp). largest declines seen in Cyprus (62%, -7 pp) and Czechia
(57%, -6 pp).
In ten EU Member States, there has been an increase in
agreement that “science and technology could be used to Outside of the EU, respondents in Albania are much more
improve living conditions in less developed countries, but in likely to agree than in 2021 (55%, +27 pp), and agreement
practice they mostly improve living conditions in well-off has also increased markedly in Serbia (72%, +16 pp).
countries”. The largest increases since 2021 can be
observed in Lithuania (74%, +11 pp) and Sweden (77%, +7
pp). Among the 15 EU countries where agreement has
fallen, the largest decreases can be seen in Latvia (59%, -9
pp), Germany (61%, -9 pp) and Romania (52%, -9 pp).

Outside the EU, there is again a large increase in agreement

in Albania (73%, +44 pp), while the largest decrease can be
seen in Türkiye (66%, -14 pp).

In 11 EU Member States, there has been an increase since

2021 in agreement that science and technology should
consider the needs of all groups of people when developing
new solutions and products. The largest increases can be
seen in Lithuania (83%, +11 pp) and France (76%, +10 pp).
Levels of agreement have fallen in 14 EU countries, with the
largest decreases seen in Romania (53%, -9 pp) and
Germany (76%, -8 pp).

Among the non-EU countries surveyed, agreement has

increased sharply in Albania (76%, +46 pp), while large
decreases in agreement can be seen in Türkiye (69%, -17
pp) and Montenegro (56%, -16 pp).

In 14 EU Member States, there has been an increase in

agreement since 2021. In particular, respondents in Malta
(65%, +8 pp), Lithuania (69%, +8 pp) and Estonia (60%, +8
pp) are now more likely to agree that “science and
technology could be used to help improve the environment
and tackle climate change, but in practice they mostly help
companies make money”. Among the 11 EU countries where
agreement has decreased, the largest declines can be seen
in Germany (56%, -10 pp), Romania (51%, -9 pp) and Latvia
(56%, -7 pp).

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This section looks at attitudes towards gender equality in More than six in ten respondents (63%, -2 pp) agree that
relation to science and technology. Respondents were given “gender equality in the science and technology
a list of statements and were asked how much they agreed workplace would improve the outcomes of science
or disagreed with each 37: and technology”, with one in five saying they “strongly
agree” (20%, -11 pp). Around one in ten respondents (11%,
 “Gender equality in the science and technology
+2 pp) disagree, with a small minority saying they “strongly
workforce would help ensure we live in a fairer and more
equal society”; disagree” (4%, +1 pp). Just over one in five respondents
(23%, +1 pp) hold a neutral view on this measure.
 “Gender equality in the science and technology
workplace would improve the outcomes of science and Just over half of Europeans (55%, -3 pp) agree that “gender
technology”;
equality in the science and technology workforce
 “Gender equality in the science and technology would improve business profits and the economy”,
workforce would improve business profits and the
with one in six respondents saying they “strongly agree”
economy”;
(16%, -10 pp). Around one in eight respondents (13%, +2
Around seven in ten EU citizens (69%, -4 percentage points pp) disagree, with only a small proportion (4%, no change)
since 2021) agree that “gender equality in the science saying that they “strongly disagree”. More than a quarter of
and technology workforce would help ensure we live respondents (28%, +2 pp) are neutral.
in a fairer and more equal society”. This includes around
On each of these statements, there has been a small
one in four (27%, - 10pp) who say they “strongly agree”.
decrease since 2021 in overall levels of agreement, but a
One in ten respondents disagree (10%, +3 pp), with a small
sharp decline in “strong” agreement (down 10 or 11
minority saying they “strongly disagree” (3%, +1 pp). Around
percentage points for each of the three statements).
one in five respondents (19%, +2 pp) are neutral.

37
QA16. How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements?

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In all EU Member States, the majority of respondents agree In Estonia, equal proportions agree and disagree with this
that “gender equality in the science and technology statement (both 34%). In addition, less than half of
workforce would help ensure we live in a fairer and respondents agree in Czechia (39%), Romania (43%), Latvia
more equal society”. (44%) and Lithuania (49%).

People are most likely to agree that gender equality in the Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents in
science and technology workforce would help ensure a fairer Türkiye (81%) are most likely to agree that gender equality
and more equal society in Sweden (84%), Malta (81%) and in the science and technology workplace would improve the
in Ireland and Greece (both 79%). outcomes of science and technology. The lowest level of
agreement can be seen in Serbia (55%).
More than half of respondents in Sweden (59%) say that
they “strongly agree”, well ahead of the next highest In every EU Member State except Estonia, respondents are
proportions in Malta (45%) and in Finland and the more likely to agree than disagree that agree that “gender
Netherlands (both 43%). equality in the science and technology workforce
would improve business profits and the economy”.
Less than half of respondents agree that gender equality in
the science and technology workforce would help ensure a Respondents are most likely to agree that gender equality
fairer and more equal society in Czechia (40%), Romania in the science and technology workforce would improve
(46%) and Estonia (47%). business profits and the economy in Italy (69%), Cyprus
(68%) and Ireland (67%). At least three in ten respondents
Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents are
say they “strongly agree” in Cyprus (33%) and in Ireland and
most likely to agree that gender equality in the science and
Sweden (both 30%).
technology workforce would help ensure a fairer and more
equal society in Türkiye (79%) ad Kosovo (73%, with a high In Estonia, respondents are more likely to disagree (36%)
proportion who say they “strongly agree” (47%)). Agreement than agree (30%) that gender equality in the science and
is lowest in Serbia (60%). technology workforce would improve business profits and
the economy. Levels of agreement are also low in Czechia
In all but one of the 27 EU Member States, a majority of
(33%).
respondents agree that “gender equality in the science
and technology workplace would improve the Among the non-EU countries surveyed, respondents are
outcomes of science and technology”. most likely to agree that gender equality in the science and
technology workforce would improve business profits and
Respondents are most likely to agree that gender equality the economy in Türkiye (76%) and Kosovo (74%). In Kosovo,
in the science and technology workplace would improve the a high proportion of respondents say they “strongly agree”
outcomes of science and technology in Sweden (80%), (45%). Respondents are least likely to agree with the
Malta (77%) and in Italy and Portugal (both 74%). More than statement in Serbia (50%).
half of respondents in Sweden (56%) say they “strongly
agree”, considerably higher than in any other country.

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In comparison with the 2021 survey, there are eight EU In the countries outside the EU, agreement has increased
countries where respondents are now more likely to agree the most in Montenegro (75%, +19 pp) and Serbia (55%,
that “gender equality in the science and technology +13 pp), while the largest decrease in agreement can be
workforce would help ensure we live in a fairer and found in Kosovo (73%, -9 pp).
more equal society”. The largest increases can be
In ten EU Member States, respondents are now more likely
observed in Finland (78%, +14 pp), the Netherlands (75%,
than in 2021 to agree that “gender equality in the
+12 pp) and Sweden (84%, +8 pp). In 16 countries,
science and technology workforce would improve
agreement has fallen, most notably in Czechia (40%, -17
pp), Cyprus (72%, -16 pp) and Slovenia (57%, -14 pp). business profits and the economy”. Increases of ten
percentage points or more can be seen in the Netherlands
Outside of the EU, the largest shifts since 2021 are the (54%, +17 pp), Ireland (67%, +11 pp) and Belgium (49%,
increases in agreement in Albania (72%, +14 pp) and Serbia +10 pp). There are 16 EU countries where agreement has
(60%, +12 pp). decreased, with the largest declines seen in Romania (43%,
-10 pp), Slovenia (45%, -10 pp) and Cyprus (68%, -10 pp).
Since 2021, there has been an increase in agreement with
the statement ‘gender equality in the science and Among the non-EU countries surveyed, agreement has
technology workplace would improve the outcomes of increased the most in the UK (57%, +13 pp), while the
science and technology” in ten EU Member States. The largest decrease in agreement can be seen in Bosnia and
largest increase can be seen in the Netherlands (69%, +23 Herzegovina (59%, -10 pp).
pp), followed by Finland (63%, +11 pp) and Belgium (62%,
+11 pp). Among the 15 EU countries where agreement has
fallen, large decreases can be seen in Slovenia (50%, -17
pp), Romania (43%, -10 pp), France (59%, -10 pp) and
Cyprus (73%, 1- pp).

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Socio-demographic table

271
VII. Views on the use of AI for
scientific research

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This chapter examines Europeans’ views on the use of

artificial intelligence (AI) for scientific research. It starts by
gauging how well-informed respondents feel about the
potential benefits and risks of using AI in scientific work. It
then assesses the extent to which people trust scientific
research and discoveries that are created with the help of
AI. Finally, it examines views on whether the use of AI can
lead to solutions to major challenges.

The results in this chapter are also relevant to the findings

in chapter 2, where respondents were asked for their views
on the future impact of AI on employment.

Around one in three EU citizens feel well-informed

about the potential benefits and risks of AI in
science
Just over a third of Europeans (37%) say they feel well- A similar proportion (35%) say they feel well informed about
informed about “the potential benefits of using AI in “the potential risks of using AI in scientific work.”
scientific work”. This includes 7% who feel “well- Specifically, less than one in ten (7%) feel “well-informed”
informed” and 30% who say they are “somewhat well- and 28% feel “somewhat well-informed”. Almost two-thirds
informed”. The majority of respondents (62%) do not feel of respondents (64%) do not feel well-informed, either “not
well-informed, either “not very well-informed” (38%) or “not very well-informed” (39%) or “not well-informed at all”
well-informed at all” (24%). (25%) 38.

38
QA19. How well informed do you feel about the following?

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Among the 27 EU Member States, a majority of respondents Respondents are least likely to feel well-informed in
in four countries say they feel well-informed (“well- Portugal (26%) and in Greece and Croatia (both 27%).
informed” or “somewhat well-informed”) about the
potential benefits of using AI in scientific work: the
Netherlands (66%), Denmark (59%) and Cyprus and Sweden
(both 52%).

In the non-EU countries surveyed, more than half of

respondents in Türkiye (59%) and the UK (51%) say they
feel well-informed about the potential benefits of using AI
in scientific work, while respondents in Serbia are the least
likely to feel well informed (27%).

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Within the EU, respondents in the Netherlands (68%) are by By contrast, no more than a quarter of respondents feel well
far the most likely to say they feel well-informed (“well- informed in Greece (24%) and in Croatia and Portugal (both
informed” or “somewhat well-informed”) about the 25%).
potential risks of using AI in scientific work. More than
half of respondents in Denmark (52%) and Cyprus (51%)
also say they feel well-informed.

In the eight non-EU countries surveyed, more than half of

respondents in Türkiye (57%) say they feel well informed
about the potential risks of using AI in scientific work, while
the lowest proportion can be seen in Serbia (28%).

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Respondents express varying degrees of trust in scientific Just over a third (35%) say they “neither trust nor distrust”
research and discoveries that are created with the scientific research and discoveries that are created with the
help of artificial intelligence (AI). In the EU, just over a help of AI, while a quarter (25%) distrust this type of
third of respondents (38%) say they trust scientific research research, including 19% who “tend to distrust” it and 6%
and discoveries that are created with the help of AI. This who “fully distrust” it 39.
includes 5% who “fully trust” this type of research and 33%
who “tend to trust” it.

39
QA20. To what extent do you trust scientific research and discoveries that
are created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI)?

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In 24 Member States, respondents are more likely to say In the other three EU countries, the proportion that distrusts
they trust rather than mistrust scientific research and this type of research outweighs the proportion that trusts it:
discoveries that are created with the help of AI. This includes Romania (34% distrust vs. 25% trust), Latvia (32% distrust
four EU countries where at least half of respondents say vs. 31% trust) and Austria (35% distrust vs. 34% trust).
they trust this type of research: Denmark (64%), Portugal
(58%), Sweden (51%) and Malta (50%). Denmark also has The proportion that “neither trusts nor distrusts” scientific
a relatively high proportion of respondents who “fully trust" research and discoveries that are created with the help of
scientific research and discoveries that are created with the AI ranges from 49% in Croatia and 48% in Hungary to 17%
help of AI (14%). in Denmark.

In the non-EU countries, respondents in Türkiye (62%) are

most likely to say they trust scientific research and
discoveries that are created with the help of AI. However,
distrust outweighs trust in Bosnia and Herzegovina (37% vs.
25%) and Serbia (32% vs. 30%).

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Half of EU citizens (50%) agree that “AI used in science One in six respondents disagree (16%), including 12% who
advances scientific discoveries that will lead to “tend to disagree” and 4% who “totally disagree”. Three in
solutions to major challenges such as climate change ten respondents (30%) neither agree nor disagree 40.
and serious diseases.” This includes 9% who “totally
agree” and 41% who “tend to agree”.

40
QA21. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following lead to solutions to major challenges such as climate change and
statement: 'AI used in science advances scientific discoveries that will serious diseases'?

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In all 27 EU Member States, respondents are more likely to The lowest levels of agreement can be seen in Croatia
agree than disagree that “AI used in science advances (32%), Romania (33%) and Estonia (39%). More than a third
scientific discoveries that will lead to solutions to major of respondents “neither agree nor disagree” in Croatia
challenges such as climate change and serious diseases.” (44%), Hungary (42%), Italy (36%) and Bulgaria (34%).
Respondents are most likely to agree with the statement in
Denmark (74%), Sweden (72%) and Malta (65%). Denmark
also has a particularly high proportion who say they “totally
agree” (32%).

In the eight other countries covered by the survey, However, respondents are more likely to disagree than
respondents in Türkiye (71%) are by far the most likely to agree with the statement in Bosnia and Herzegovina (39%
agree that “AI used in science advances scientific disagree vs. 29% agree) and Serbia (32% vs. 31%).
discoveries that will lead to solutions to major challenges
such as climate change and serious diseases.”

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Socio-demographic table

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Conclusion

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This report provides a summary of the results of the Special social perspective”; and that “because of their knowledge,
Eurobarometer on “European citizens’ knowledge and scientists have a power that makes them dangerous”.
attitudes towards science and technology”. This
Eurobarometer is the latest in a long line of surveys on The survey also examines the wider social issues related to
science and technology and provides comparisons with the science and technology. Social responsibility is considered
findings from the previous survey conducted in 2021. important, with three-quarters of respondents agreeing that
science and technology should consider the needs of all
The survey assesses EU citizens’ knowledge about science groups of people when developing new solutions and
and technology. This shows that the majority of respondents products. The majority also agree that decisions about
feel at least moderately well-informed about environmental science and technology should be based primarily on the
problems, new scientific discoveries and technological moral and ethical issues concerned.
developments, and new medical discoveries.
Again, however, these views are tempered with a degree of
However, respondents are less likely to feel well-informed suspicion. Most respondents agree that science and
about these issues than they were in 2021. In addition, technology could improve everyone's lives, but mostly
when tested in a ‘quiz’ on scientific issues, respondents are improve the lives of people who are already better off; and
more likely to give incorrect answers than in the previous the majority agree that science and technology could
survey. improve living conditions in less developed countries, but
mostly improve living conditions in well-off countries.
The survey provides further insight into these findings. The
majority of Europeans agree that they would like to learn This year’s survey included a focus on AI and shows that
more about scientific developments, but over half also say there are mixed views among EU citizens in this regard. Just
that science is too complicated to understand much about over a third of respondents say they trust scientific research
it. and discoveries that are created with the help of AI, while a
quarter distrust this type of research, and a third are neutral.
There is a clear consensus that science and technology have When asked whether AI and automation will create more
a positive influence on society, while two-thirds of jobs than they will eliminate, respondents are more likely to
respondents agree that science and technology make our disagree than to agree.
lives easier, healthier and more comfortable. Equally, the
majority view is that “science makes our ways of life change Overall, just over a third of respondents feel well informed
too fast” and also that “the applications of science and about the potential benefits of using AI in scientific work,
technology can threaten human rights”. These views have and a similar proportion feel well informed about the
grown in prevalence since the 2021 survey. potential risks.

When assessing the public’s perception of scientists, the

survey provides a complex picture. On the one hand, the
majority think that decisions about science and technology
should be based mainly on the advice of experts, and the
consensus is that scientists should intervene in political
debate. The characteristics associated with scientists are
predominantly positive, such as “intelligent”, “reliable”,
“collaborative”, and “honest”. In addition, professional
scientists are seen as best qualified to explain the impact of
scientific and technological developments on society ahead
of other people or organisations.

At the same time, the findings indicate a certain wariness or

suspicion about scientists. Respondents are more likely to
agree than disagree that: “we can no longer trust scientists
to tell the truth about controversial scientific and
technological issues because they depend more and more
on money from industry”; that “scientists only look at very
specific issues and do not consider problems from a wider

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Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications
Between 12 September and 10 October 2024, Verian For households with three 15+ members the script was used
(former Kantar Public) on behalf of Verian Belgium carried to select either the informant (1/3 of the time) or the two
out the wave 102.1 of the Eurobarometer survey, on request other eligible members in the household (2/3 of the time).
of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Where the two other members were selected, the
Communication, “Media monitoring and Eurobarometer” interviewer was then told to either ask for the youngest or
Unit. oldest. The script would randomly assign the selection to
youngest or oldest with equal probability. This process
The Wave 102.1 covers the population of the respective
continues for four 15+ household members – randomly
nationalities of the European Union Member States, resident
asking for the youngest, 2nd youngest and oldest. For
in each of the 27 Member States and aged 15 years and
households with five 15+ members we revert to the last
over.
birthday rule.
The Wave 102.1 survey has also been conducted in 8 other
If no contact was made with anyone in the household, or if
countries or territories: six candidate countries (Albania,
the respondent selected was not available (busy), the
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia,
interviewer revisited the same household up to three
Serbia, Türkiye), as well as in Kosovo1 and in the United
additional times (four contact attempts in total).
Kingdom.
Interviewers never indicate that the survey is conducted on
In these countries and territories, the survey covers the behalf of the European Commission beforehand; they may
national population of citizens and the population of citizens give this information once the survey is completed, upon
of all the European Union Member States that are residents request.
in these countries and territories and have a sufficient
The recruitment phase was slightly different in the
command of the national languages to answer the
Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden. In the two latter
questionnaire.
countries, a sample of addresses within each sampling point
The basic sample design applied in all countries is a were selected from the address or population register (in
stratified multi-stage, random (probability) one. In each Finland, selection is not done in all sample points, but in
country, the sample frame is first stratified by NUTS regions some where response rates are expected to improve). The
and within each region by a measure of urbanity (DEGURBA). selection of addresses was done in a random manner.
The number of sample points selected in each strata reflects Households were then contacted by telephone and recruited
the stratum population 15+. At the second stage sampling to take part in the survey. In the Netherlands, a dual frame
points were drawn with probability proportional to their 0+ RDD sample (mobile and landline numbers) are used as
population size from within each stratum. The samples thus there is no comprehensive population register with
represent the whole territory of the countries surveyed telephone numbers available. The selection of numbers on
according to the EUROSTAT NUTS II (or equivalent) and both frames is done in a random manner with each number
according to the distribution of the resident population of getting an equal probability of selection. Unlike Sweden and
the respective nationalities in terms of metropolitan, urban Finland, the sample is un-clustered.
and rural areas1.
In each of the selected sampling points, a starting
coordinate was drawn at random and a reverse geo-coding
tool used to identify the closest address to the coordinate.
This address was the starting address for the random walk.
Further addresses (every Nth address) were selected by
standard "random route" procedures, from the initial
address. In each household, the respondent was drawn at
random. The approach to the random selection was
conditional on the household size. By way of example for
households with two 15+ members the script was used to
select either the informant (person responding to the
screener questionnaire) or the other eligible member in the
household.

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Technical Specifications

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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Technical Specifications

Interviewing mode per country

Interviews were conducted through face-to-face interviews,

either physically in people's homes or through remote video
interaction in the appropriate national language. Interviews
with remote video interaction (“online face-to-face” or CAVI,
Computer Assisted Video Interviewing, were conducted only
in Czechia, Denmark, Malta, Netherlands, Finland and
Sweden).

TS3
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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Technical Specifications
Response rates

For each country a comparison between the responding

sample and the universe (i.e. the overall population in the
country) is carried out. Weights are used to match the
responding sample to the universe on gender by age, region
and degree of urbanisation. For European estimates (i.e. EU
average), an adjustment is made to the individual country
weights, weighting them up or down to reflect their 15+
population as a proportion of the EU 15+ population.

The response rates are calculated by dividing the total

number of complete interviews with the number of all the
addresses visited, apart from ones that are not eligible but
including those where eligibility is unknown. For wave 102.1
of the EUROBAROMETER survey, the response rates for the
EU27 countries, calculated by Verian (former Kantar Public),
are:

TS4
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European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Technical Specifications
Margins of error

Readers are reminded that survey results are estimations,

the accuracy of which, everything being equal, rests upon
the sample size and upon the observed percentage. With
samples of about 1,000 interviews, the real percentages
vary within the following confidence limits:

TS5
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire

Questionnaire
Q1 In everyday life, we have to deal with many Q2b And now, please choose the source that you
different issues, where we feel more or less use the least.
<u>informed</u>. For each of the following, please
indicate whether you are … (SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER
ONLY) (PRESENT ONLY THE ITEMS NOT SELECTED IN Q2a—
(READ OUT – ONE ANSWER PER LINE) IF RESPONDENT ANSWERED ITEM 10 AT Q2a THEN SKIP
Q2b)
Very Moderately Poorly Don’t
well well- informed know 1 Television, on a TV set or via the internet
informed informed
2 Newspapers, either online or in print
1 2 3 4
3 Online encyclopaedias e.g. Wikipedia
1 New medical discoveries
4 Magazines, either online or in print
2 New scientific discoveries and technological
developments 5 Radio, including podcasts

3 Sports news 6 Books, either in print or e-books

4 Culture and arts 7 Online social networks and blogs (e.g. video
hosting websites)
5 Politics
8 Scientific journals, either online or in print
6 Environmental problems including climate
change 9 Other (SPONTANEOUS)

3 QU EB95.2 Q3 MODIFIED 10 You do not look for information about

developments in science and technology
Q2a Of the following list of sources of information (SPONTANEOUS)
about developments in science and technology,
11 Don’t know
please choose the two main sources that you use
(watch, read, or listen) the most. 0.5QU EB95.2 QA4b MODIFIED
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – MAX. 2 ANSWERS) Q3 Among the following categories of people and
organisations, which are the best qualified to explain
1 Television, on a TV set or via the internet
the impact of scientific and technological
2 Newspapers, either online or in print developments on society?

3 Online encyclopaedias e.g. Wikipedia (SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – MAX. 3 ANSWERS)
4 Magazines, either online or in print 1 Scientists working at a university or
government-funded research organisation
5 Radio, including podcasts
2 Scientists working in an industrial or privately
6 Books, either in print or e-books
funded research organisation
7 Online social networks and blogs (e.g. video
3 Journalists
hosting websites)
4 Politicians
8 Scientific journals, either online or in print
5 Consumer organisations
9 Other (SPONTANEOUS)
6 Environmental protection associations
10 You do not look for information about
developments in science and technology 7 Industry and private companies
(SPONTANEOUS)
8 People active on online social networks and
11 Don’t know bloggers
0.5QU EB95.2 QA4a MODIFIED 9 Religious leaders or representatives

Q1
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire
10 The [NATIONALITY] government Q6a The following is a list of areas where new
technologies are currently being developed. For each
11 The military
of these, do you think it will have a positive, a
12 General practitioners and specialist doctors negative or no effect on our way of life in the next
20 years?
13 Writers and intellectuals
(READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
14 Family and friends
Very Fairly Fairly Very No Don’t
15 The European Union positive positive negative negative effect know
effect effect effect effect
16 Other (SPONTANEOUS)
1 2 3 4 5 6
17 None (SPONTANEOUS)
1 Renewable energies (N)
18 Don’t know
2 Information and communication Technology
1QU EB95.2 Q5
3 Brain and cognitive enhancement
Q4 Do you think that the overall influence of
science and technology on society is …? 4 Vaccines and combatting infectious diseases

(READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY) 5 Biotechnology and genetic engineering

1 Very positive 6 Space exploration

2 Fairly positive 7 Nanotechnology

3 Fairly negative 8 Nuclear energy for energy production

4 Very negative 9 Artificial Intelligence

5 Don’t know 4.5QU EB95.2 Q8a MODIFIED

1QU EB95.2 Q6 Q6b In the coming years, which of the following

areas do you think will be affected most by research
Q5 What level of public involvement do you think
and innovation?
is appropriate when it comes to decisions about
science and technology? (SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE--ITEMS 1 AND 2
ALWAYS ASKED ONE AFTER THE OTHER – MAX. 3 ANSWERS)
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY)
1 Fight against climate change
1 The public does not need to be involved in
decisions about science and technology 2 Protection of the environment
2 Decisions about science and technology should 3 Security of citizens
be made by scientists, engineers and politicians,
but the public should always be informed 4 Job creation

3 The public should be consulted and public 5 Energy supply

opinion should be seriously considered when
6 Health and medical care
making decisions about science and technology
7 Protection of personal data
4 Public opinion should be the main concern when
making decisions about science and technology 8 Reduction of inequalities
5 Other (SPONTANEOUS) 9 Adaptation of society to an ageing population
6 Don’t know 10 Availability and quality of food
1QU EB95.2 Q7 11 Transport and transport infrastructure

12 Education and skills

13 Quality of housing

Q2
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire
14 Other (SPONTANEOUS) 1 Science and technology make our lives easier,
healthier and more comfortable
15 Don’t know
2 Science prepares the younger generation to act as
1QU EB95.2 Q8b well-informed citizens
Q7 The following are some statements that 3 Thanks to scientific and technological advances, the
people have made about science or technology. For Earth’s natural resources will be inexhaustible
each statement, please indicate to what extent you
agree or disagree. 4 Thanks to science and technology, there will be more
opportunities for future generations
(READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
5 Artificial intelligence and automation will create more
Strongl Tend Neither Tend Strongly Don’t jobs than they will eliminate
y agree to agree to disagree know
agree nor disag 6 The applications of science and technology can
disagree ree threaten human rights
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Science makes our ways of life change too fast
1 Science is so complicated that you do not understand 8 Because of their knowledge, scientists have a power
much about it (M) that makes them dangerous
2 In your daily life, it is not important to know about 4QU EB95.2 Q10 MODIFIED
science (M)
Q9 To what extent do you agree or disagree with
3 Scientists spend sufficient time meeting people like the following statements regarding scientists today?
you to explain their work (M)
(READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
4 You would like to learn more about scientific
developments in places like town halls, museums, Totally Tend Neither Tend Totally Don’t
libraries and educational institutions (M) agree to agree to disagree know
agree nor disag
5 The results of publicly funded research, such as disagree ree
scientific articles and data, should be made available
1 2 3 4 5 6
online free of charge
1 We can no longer trust scientists to tell the truth
6 Young people’s interest in science is essential for our
about controversial scientific and technological
future prosperity
issues because they depend more and more on
7 There should be no limit to what science is allowed money from industry
to investigate
2 Scientists only look at very specific issues and do not
8 New inventions will always be found to counteract consider problems from a wider social perspective
any harmful consequences of scientific and (M)
technological development
3 Nowadays, the problems we are facing are so
4QU EB95.2 Q9 MODIFIED complex that scientists are no longer able to
understand them
Q8 The following are some statements that
people have made about science and technology. For 4 (split A) Scientists should not intervene in political
each statement, please indicate to what extent you debate when decisions ignore scientific evidence
agree or disagree. 5 (Split B) Scientists should intervene in political debate
to ensure that decisions take into account scientific
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER
evidence
LINE)
Totally Tend Neither Tend Totally Don’t
2QU EB95.2Q11 MODIFIED
agree to agree to disagree know
agree nor disag
disagree ree

1 2 3 4 5 6

Q3
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire
Q10a The following is a list of characteristics that Q11 You will be shown a series of statement sets.
can be associated with scientists today. For each For each set, which statement comes closest to your
characteristic, indicate if you think it describes well point of view?
or describes them badly.
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE)
(READ OUT – RANDOMISE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
Q11a
Describes Describes Don’t know
1 Decisions about science and technology should
well badly
be based mainly on the advice of experts
1 2 3
2 Decisions about science and technology should
1 Reliable be based mainly on what the majority of people
in a country think
2 Open to engage with citizens (N)
3 Don’t know
3 Narrow minded
Q11b
4 Bad at communicating
1 Science and technology should be tightly
5 Honest regulated by the government
6 Arrogant 2 Science and technology should be allowed to
7 Altruistic operate freely in the marketplace

8 Immoral 3 Don’t know

9 Intelligent Q11c

10 Know best what is good for people 1 Decisions about science and technology should
be based primarily on the moral and ethical
5QU EB95.2 Q12a MODIFIED issues concerned

Q10b Please choose the three qualities that you 2 Decisions about science and technology should
think scientists should have. be based primarily on the potential to make new
scientific discoveries and develop new
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – MAX. 3 ANSWERS) technologies
1 Reliability 3 Don’t know
2 Ability to work with citizens (M) Q11d
3 Open mindedness 1 The government should take responsibility to
4 Communication skills ensure that new technologies benefit everyone

5 Honesty 2 It is up to people themselves to seek out the

benefits of new technologies
6 Modesty
3 Don’t know
7 Altruism
Q11e
8 Morality
1 The government should make private companies
9 Intelligence tackle climate change

10 Knowledge of what is good for people 2 We should leave it to private companies to decide
whether to tackle climate change
11 Other (SPONTANEOUS)
3 Don’t know
12 Don’t know
5QU EB95.2 Q13
1QU EB95.2 Q12b MODIFIED

Q4
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire
Q12 And now, a few questions on how you engage power, biotechnology, the environment or climate
with science and technology issues. Do you…? change

(READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE) 6 Attending public meetings or debates about
science and technology
Yes, Yes, No, No, Don’t
regularly occasionally hardly never know 7 Taking part in the activities of a non-governmental
ever organisation dealing with science and technology-
(M) related issues

1 2 3 4 5 8 Contacting public authorities or political leaders

about science and technology-related issues
1 Talk about science and technology-related issues
with family or friends 9 Providing personal data for scientific research

2 Watch documentaries, or read science and 10 Taking part in clinical trials

technology-related publications, magazines books
11 Lending your computer’s processing power to
or podcasts (M)
contribute to the research on complex scientific
3 Visit science and technology museums questions

4 Sign petitions or join demonstrations on science 12 Actively taking part in scientific projects by
and technology matters such as nuclear power, developing research questions, collecting data,
biotechnology, the environment or climate change discussing the findings with others, etc.

5 Attend public meetings or debates about science 13 Other (SPONTANEOUS)

and technology
14 None (SPONTANEOUS)
6 Contact public authorities or political leaders about
15 Don’t know
science and technology-related issues
1QU EB95.2 Q15 MODIFIED
7 Provide personal data for scientific research
Q14 Sometimes people find it difficult to engage
8 Take part in clinical trials
with science and technology. Which of the following,
9 Actively take part in scientific projects by if any, are the main barriers for you?
developing research questions, collecting data,
discussing the findings with others, etc. (SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – MULTIPLE
ANSWERS POSSIBLE)
4.5QU EB73.1 MODIFIED
1 Lack of time
Q13 Thinking now about the future, would you
consider increasing your engagement with science 2 Lack of financial resources
and technology by doing any of the following things? 3 Lack of interest
Please select all that apply.
4 Lack of information on activities or events
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – MULTIPLE related to science and technology
ANSWERS POSSIBLE)
5 Lack of knowledge in the field of science and
1 Talking about science or technology-related issues technology
with family or friends
6 Lack or poor quality of activities or events
2 Watching documentaries, or read science and related to science and technology in the area
technology-related publications, magazines or where you live
books, podcasts (M)
7 Feeling that you would not be welcomed or that
3 Visiting science or technology museums it is not something for you

4 Studying science or technology-related issues in 8 Privacy concerns, e.g. fear of personal data
your free time, for instance on a face-to-face or misuse
online course
9 Other (SPONTANEOUS)
5 Signing petitions or joining demonstrations on
science and technology matters such as nuclear

Q5
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire
10 None (SPONTANEOUS) 2 improve business profits and the economy

11 Don’t know 3 help ensure we live in a fairer and more equal society

1QU EB95.2 Q16 1.5QU EB95.2 Q18 MODIFIED

Q15 How strongly do you agree or disagree with Q17 For each of the following statements, please
each of the following statements? indicate whether you believe them to be true or false.
If you don’t know, you can indicate so.
(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER
LINE) (READ OUT – ROTATE, EXCEPT ITEM 8 WHICH SHOULD BE
ALWAYS FIXED – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
Strongl Tend Neither Tend Strongly Don’t
y agree to agree to disagree know True False Don’t know
agree nor disag
disagree ree 1 2 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 The earliest humans lived at the same time as
the dinosaurs
1 Science and technology could be used to improve
everyone’s lives, but in practice they mostly improve 2 The continents on which we live have been
the lives of people who are already better off moving for millions of years and will continue to
move in the future
2 Science and technology could be used to improve
living conditions in less developed countries, but in 3 Antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria
practice they mostly improve living conditions in well-
off countries 4 The oxygen we breathe comes from plants

3 Science and technology could be used to help 5 Lasers work by focusing sound waves
improve the environment and tackle climate change, 6 The world’s human population is currently more
but in practice they mostly help companies make than 10 billion
money
7 Human beings, as we know them today,
4 Science and technology should consider the needs of developed from earlier species of animals
all groups of people when developing new solutions
and products 8 Viruses have been produced in government
laboratories to control our freedom (fixed)
5 Involving non-scientists in research and technological
development ensures that science and technology 9 The cure for cancer exists but is hidden from the
respond to the needs, values and expectations of public by commercial interests
society
10 Climate change is for the most part caused by
6 We have no option but to trust those governing natural cycles rather than human activities
science and technology
5QU EB95.2 Q20
3QU EB95.2 Q17 MODIFIED
Q18 Which of the following should be the main
Q16 How strongly do you agree or disagree with responsible for ensuring research security in
each of the following statements? Gender equality in international collaboration among research
the science and technology workforce would… institutions?

(READ OUT – ROTATE – ITEM 1 ALWAYS ASKED IN FIRST (SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY)
PLACE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
1 Governments
Strongl Tend Neither Tend Strongly Don’t
y agree to agree to disagree know 2 Funding agencies (e.g., EU agencies, national
agree nor disag research councils)
disagree ree
3 Research institutions (e.g., universities,
1 2 3 4 5 6 laboratories)
1 improve the outcomes of science and technology 4 Don’t know

1QU NEW

Q6
 Special Eurobarometer 557
European citizens' knowledge and attitudes towards science and technology
Questionnaire
Q19Intro We will now ask you several questions QB21 To what extent do you agree or disagree with
about Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI. the following statement: “AI used in science advances
scientific discoveries that will lead to solutions to
Artificial Intelligence refers to computer systems
major challenges such as climate change and serious
capable of performing tasks that typically require
diseases”?
human intelligence. It is used, for instance, in
driverless cars or drones, in healthcare to improve (SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY)
medical diagnoses, and in various other applications
1 Totally agree
such as answering questions and offering support to
users on websites or call centres. 2 Tend to agree

(READ OUT) 3 Neither agree nor disagree

Q19 How well informed do you feel about the 4 Tend to disagree
following?
5 Totally disagree
(READ OUT – ROTATE – ONE ANSWER PER LINE)
6 Don’t know
Well Somewhat Not very Not well Don’t
informed well well informed know
1QU NEW
informed informed at all

1 2 3 4 5

1 The potential risks of using AI in scientific work

2 The potential benefits of using AI in scientific work

1QU NEW

Q20 To what extent do you trust scientific

research and discoveries that are created with the
help of artificial intelligence (AI)?

(SHOW SCREEN – READ OUT – ONE ANSWER ONLY)

1 Fully trust

2 Tend to trust

3 Neither trust nor distrust

4 Tend to distrust

5 Fully distrust

6 Don’t know

1QU NEW

Q7