In a surprising turn of events, a recent study has found that African nations are among the most trusting of scientists, debunking widespread fears of a global crisis in public trust in scientists. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, surveyed nearly 72,000 people across 68 countries, including over 6,000 participants from 12 African nations.

The Trust in Science Project (TISP) Many Labs initiative, led by Viktoria Cologna and Niels G. Mede, found that Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya ranked among the top five globally in terms of public trust in scientists. This is a clear indication that citizens across the continent value scientific knowledge and integrity. The study's findings challenge long-held assumptions about public trust in scientists, particularly in Africa.

The African countries involved in the study included Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Botswana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found that citizens across these countries overwhelmingly agreed that scientists should focus their efforts on addressing practical societal challenges, such as public health, solving energy issues, and reducing poverty.

Interestingly, Africans were more inclined to support research in defence and military technology, likely due to regional security concerns. This contrasts with the rest of the world, which generally ranked military technology as a low priority for scientific focus.

The study also highlighted the importance of scientists engaging more with the public and being inclusive in their approach. A striking 83% of global respondents agreed that scientists should communicate more effectively about their work, with Africans echoing this sentiment, particularly in countries like Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Uganda. Citizens are not just asking for transparency; they want science to be inclusive and dialogue-driven.

Views varied by country regarding scientists' involvement in policy advocacy, with Nigeria and Botswana showing strong support, while Egypt and Morocco showed less support. In Ethiopia, one-third of respondents were sceptical about scientists' involvement in policy advocacy.

Science communication experts have long argued that blind trust is neither realistic nor desirable. Instead, informed trust should be cultivated through accessible, transparent, and credible communication. Citizens must be able to evaluate the reliability of scientific information and distinguish it from misinformation.

The study's findings offer both reassurance and a wake-up call: while trust in science across Africa is currently strong, it is not guaranteed. It can quickly erode in the face of scandals or misinformation. Therefore, scientists must become more visible, proactive, and engaged with their communities.

The study's conclusions emphasize the importance of investing in science communication and public engagement to strengthen public trust and integrate science more deeply into African societies. As the study notes, "Africans clearly want scientists to communicate more effectively and engage with society meaningfully. This is a call to action not just for researchers, but for science policymakers and funders as well."

The implications of this study are far-reaching, highlighting the need for scientists to be more proactive in engaging with the public and policymakers to build trust and ensure that scientific knowledge is used to benefit society. As the world grapples with complex challenges, the importance of trust in science cannot be overstated. This study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of science communication and public engagement in building a more informed and trusting public.