Few Take Actions to Support Science, Annual
Study Finds; 3M Calls for Global Science Advocacy
Today, 3M (MMM), a global science and innovation company,
revealed the findings from its 2019 State of Science Index (SOSI),
a third-party, independently researched study. A survey of about
14,000 people across 14 countries, the study is designed to gauge
shifting global attitudes toward science. Ultimately, amid hopes
for the role science plays in creating a brighter future and its
potential to solve global challenges, the survey found that
scientific skepticism has grown, leading 3M to conclude that
science needs advocates now more than ever.
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3M has released the second year of
results from its third-party, global survey on the perceptions of
science--the State of Science Index. (Image credit: 3M)
The survey reveals that 87 percent of the global community
believes we need science to solve the world’s problems, and a
majority also believe the best days of science are yet to come (62
percent). However, skepticism of science grew three percentage
points globally and six percentage points in the United States last
year (from 27 percent to 33 percent), with nearly half the world
stating they only believe in science that aligns with – and likely
reinforces – their personal beliefs (45 percent). The survey also
reveals only 20 percent of people stand up for science when
debating its merits with others. One theory to explain this
contradiction is that supporters of science may not be aware there
is a need for advocacy.
The study points to challenges and opportunities to increase
science appreciation. Nearly three-quarters (70 percent) of people
rarely, if ever, think about the impact of science on their
everyday lives. On the bright side, the sentiment toward science is
mostly positive, despite the growth in skepticism. A clear majority
report science makes them feel curious (72 percent) versus
indifferent (18 percent) or intimidated (10 percent). And, while 85
percent of respondents admit they know little to nothing about
science, the same percentage wish they knew more.
Science Interest is Fueled by Human Interest
The State of Science Index suggests connecting the dots between
science and its positive impact on humanity is an important driver
of interest in and support for science.
“The vast majority of people see the same opportunity with
science that we see every day at 3M. The world needs science more
than ever to help solve the toughest challenges facing the planet,”
said Mike Roman, 3M’s chief executive officer. “At the same time,
science needs advocates who can unite to show how the field makes a
difference in people’s lives. At 3M, we are strengthening our
commitment to creating a better world through our own technology
capabilities, while inspiring others to see the power of science,
including our significant investments in STEM education. For nearly
50 years, 3M has created and funded programs to support STEM
education, promote STEM equity and develop the workforce of
tomorrow.”
Those who indicated they are interested in science are most
likely to be fascinated because they believe scientific
advancements will benefit future generations (59 percent); science
will solve major world issues (42 percent); and science will help
them live a longer, healthier life (40 percent). The majority of
people (87 percent) also are excited for (rather than afraid of),
medical advances that will eliminate chronic diseases like cancer
and are likewise excited by the prospects of space travel/tourism
(71 percent).
Communication is Critical
Building on making science and scientists more universally
appealing, the survey reveals an opportunity to break down barriers
to science comprehension and appreciation. The primary barriers are
accessibility and relatability, both of which can be solved via
communications best practices. The majority of people agree
scientists should make science more relatable to their everyday
lives (84 percent) and talk about it in a way that is easier to
understand (88 percent). Furthermore, 80 percent of people are more
likely to believe information that comes from someone who works in
a scientific field, rather than to be skeptical of it, but more
than half (58 percent) believe scientists are elitists, which
presents an opportunity for scientists and science communicators to
connect with audiences in new ways.
“We all benefit from science, but it takes effective
communication to make science more relatable,” said Dr. Jayshree
Seth, Ph.D., corporate scientist and chief science advocate at 3M.
“We know the science community does a great job communicating with
each other, but the world needs scientists to talk about their
important work to highlight the benefits to society. By making
science more relatable, we can reduce skepticism and fear, helping
to foster a new generation of scientists and science advocates. I
am encouraged by people who trust scientists and that 85 percent of
people wish they knew more about science. But with skepticism of
science growing worldwide, now is the time to stand up and take
action in support of science.”
Surrounded by Digital, but Craving Analog
Continuing the theme of human interest, the study found most of
the world places a higher value on humans than artificial
intelligence (AI). The survey posed a series of questions to
determine people’s preference for human or digital connection.
Almost everyone (87 percent) would choose to make five real friends
rather than attract 5,000 new followers on social media*; 64
percent would opt to own a regular car over a self-driving car; and
74 percent would rather have a human assistant than a robot
assistant. AI also generates some fear about the role of science
and technology in the future, with more than half (52 percent)
citing the role of robots in the workplace as something that makes
them feel afraid rather than excited.
“This year’s State of Science Index reveals that many people
around the world are skeptical of science, even as advancements in
technology attempt to drive positive changes in society,” said John
Banovetz, senior vice president and chief technology officer at 3M.
“As we think about better communicating science breakthroughs and
their potential positive impact, we need to focus on the benefits
to mankind and show how science and technology improves lives.
Science promises we can address our most difficult global
challenges – and by doing so, we create a brighter, more
productive, and healthier future for the next generation.”
The Path Forward: Humanize, Educate, Advocate
In support of the State of Science Index, 3M is taking steps to
break down the barriers to science, setting up ways for people to
take tangible actions that address challenges exposed in this
year’s survey:
- Scientists as Storytellers
Toolkit: To inspire and educate scientists to talk about their
field in a way that is compelling, relatable and relevant, 3M has
created a toolkit for scientists and science fans everywhere to
better communicate science through the art of great storytelling.
The toolkit has practical advice from top communicators and
scientists around the globe and is available to download for free
here: http://bit.ly/2FmlR0l
- Beyond the Beaker Video Series:
To foster a stronger connection between scientists and the general
public, 3M has created a film series that steps outside of the lab
and into the everyday lives of 3M scientists. The scientists tell
their own stories and the short films capture them outside of work,
revealing the people behind the science by showcasing their diverse
backgrounds, hobbies, and home life. View the stories here:
http://bit.ly/2ueOwy3
- Advancing STEM Equity: Science
enthusiasts can help champion science and the positive impact it
has on society by showing their support for STEM education. Through
a partnership with the nonprofit organization DonorsChoose.org, 3M
will match more than $50,000 in online donations to STEM education
initiatives. Once the matching funds have been met, site visitors
can still donate via DonorsChoose.org. View the STEM projects and
donate here: http://bit.ly/2HGXiwU
Throughout the year, 3M will partner with various organizations
to advocate for science and STEM initiatives, and 3M’s Chief
Science Advocate, Dr. Jayshree Seth, will continue to champion
science through content and speaking engagements, in the United
States and abroad.
Full study data, including individual country breakdowns across
14 countries and the ability for individuals to explore the data
further can be found at 3M.com/scienceindex.
Survey MethodologyGlobal research firm Ipsos conducted
the study of 14,025 adults across 14 countries July 13 – September
10, 2018. The survey was fielded through a combination of online
and offline interviews. Approximately 1,000 people aged 18+ were
surveyed in each country. Countries in the study include: Brazil,
Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Singapore,
South Africa, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, and United
States. The sample for each country was nationally representative
based on age, gender, region, and race/ethnicity (where
applicable). The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using
a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility
interval of ± 0.9 percentage points for all respondents.
Additional Methodology
Notes:Any reference to global changes in the data over one
year (e.g. increases/decreases since last year) is derived from the
average of the same 12 countries included in the survey each year,
which are Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico,
Poland, Singapore, South Africa, UK, US.
*Asterisk indicates that the data cited
excludes “prefer not to answer” responses.
About 3MAt 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to
improve lives daily. With $33 billion in sales, our 93,000
employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more
about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com
or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.
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KetchumCaroline Friedman,
312-228-6863caroline.friedman@ketchum.com
or
3M CommunicationsRobert Brittain,
651-733-7034rbrittain@mmm.com
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