Andrey Reznichenko: Struggle Against Ignorance Cannot Stop Even for a Minute

Russian and foreign researchers conducted a major survey to assess the level of trust in scientists in the post-pandemic era. The study involved almost 72,000 respondents representing 68 countries, including Russia. The results were published in the Nature Human Behavior journal. According to the survey, a low level of credibility to scientists was recorded in Albania, Kazakhstan, Russia, Italy, Japan, and other countries.

We asked Andrey Reznichenko, member of the Scientific Committee of the VYZOV Prize, Head of Science Desk at TASS News Agency, and Honorary Worker of Science and High Technologies of the Russian Federation, about what could cause such results and what can be done to address the situation.

In his opinion, the low level of trust in scientists in Russia is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in the complex interweaving of social processes and historical nuances. The main problem is the communication gap between scientists and the wider audience, which makes scientific advancements seem incomprehensible, uninteresting, and detached from reality.

"Poor media literacy in the society leads to the fact that even great discoveries and results are perceived through the prism of myths and prejudices. The struggle against ignorance cannot stop even for a minute. We need to ensure the right conditions for continued communication between scientists and the general public, including public lectures, scientific festivals, debating clubs, master classes, and educational projects. Such events help bring science closer to people, make it clearer and more accessible. The VYZOV Prize is a great example of systemic efforts to raise the profile of science in Russia," says Andrey Reznichenko.

According to the authors of the survey, people in certain countries believe that the priorities of science do not always coincide with their own. The poll numbers can be used by scientists and politicians seeking to increase the level of trust in science. Interestingly, the highest levels of trust in scientists were seen in India, several African and Asian countries, as well as in Australia, Spain, Turkey, New Zealand, and Argentina.

"We are in urgent need of new remarkable science communicators who can win over the media space and get across the real scientific achievements to all audiences. Support for high-quality science journalism will serve as a shield against misleading sensational headlines, such as the ones about sound shock waves from the collision of galaxies that have supposedly reached the Earth. Researchers and popularizers of science should actively participate in public discussions, advise state authorities, and become experts on issues related to people's daily lives. Such active dialogue helps establish a positive image of science and make it an integral part of the cultural space," said Andrey Reznichenko.