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Public Attitudes to R&D 2025: Trust

26 Feb 2026

This briefing summarises findings on attitudes towards trust in R&D actors from CaSE’s Public Attitudes to R&D 2025 study, which comprised a nationally representative survey of 8,000 UK adults, eight focus groups and 20+ follow-up interviews. Full results can be found on CaSE’s Public Opinion Research pages.

Key points include:

  • Researchers and scientists are seen as trustworthy experts
  • Research charities are the most trusted group to talk about R&D
  • R&D actors are well trusted to talk about investment in R&D
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I mean, a scientist, obviously. Yes they have what’s called a producer interest in that it’s funding for them, but they also have the knowledge and they know what’s needed. I personally trust those authorities.

Male, 45-54, Sutton/Croydon

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