Has the pandemic changed public attitudes about science?

Has the pandemic changed public attitudes about science?

‘These results [of surveys] show clear evidence that scientific and medical experts are enjoying a surge in public support on top of their already high levels of public trust. With some variation from country to country and among different groups within countries, the overall picture of pandemic-era public opinion is a success story for science’s status amidst this crisis.

‘The impacts from COVID-19 will be with us for years to come. However, questions remain as to how this re-affirmed trust might be built on. How can the increased levels of trust in science be maintained? What proactive steps can scientific institutions take to ensure that they continue earning this trust? How might support for science be used to focus further public engagement on other global challenges such as climate change? Framed in these terms, moves such as the UK government’s decision to invest in a new research agency (ARIA), may indicate more widespread changes in the direction of science policy.

‘At a structural level, the public faith in science’s trustworthiness and value can also be ‘future proofed’ through ongoing initiatives to make scientific research open and transparent, enhanced efforts to ensure a more diverse and inclusive scientific workforce and other efforts to improve science from within. Initiatives working in this direction include increased adoption of open science policies by research funders and global public policy that promotes more socially responsible research and innovation. Indeed, this moment of strong public support may be the perfect opportunity for long-needed structural reforms to make research more socially responsible and sustainable. In other words, it’s time to fix the roof while the sun is shining!’

Read here (LSE Blog, Mar 12, 2021)

India tops global survey on Covid-19 vaccination intent; rising hesitancy in many other countries

‘Indians are the keenest on getting vaccinated whenever a Covid-19 vaccine is available, even as people in 10 out of 15 countries showed a growing reluctance about getting vaccinated, according to a global survey. 

‘In the World Economic Forum/Ipsos survey of 18,526 adults from 15 countries, 73 per cent said they would get a Covid-19 vaccine if available, down from 77 per cent in August. While vaccination intent has remained unchanged at 87 per cent in India since August, it has declined in 10 of the 15 countries surveyed, most of all in China, Australia, Spain, and Brazil.

‘Globally, the two main reasons for not wanting to get a Covid-19 vaccine are concerns about side effects (cited by 34 per cent) and concerns about clinical trials moving too fast (cited by another 33 per cent). In India also, 34 per cent respondents.’

Read here (Deccan Herald, Nov 6, 2020)

What’s at risk: An 18-month view of a post-Covid world

 ‘As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, no part of society seems to be left unscathed. Fears are surmounting around the economy’s health, and dramatic changes in life as we know it are also underway.

‘In today’s graphic, we use data from a World Economic Forum survey of 347 risk analysts on how they rank the likelihood of major risks we face in the aftermath of the pandemic. What are the most likely risks for the world over the next year and a half?’

Read here (Visual Capitalist, June 24, 2020)

Trust in governments surges during pandemic, survey shows

‘Trust in governments surges during pandemic, survey shows Times of uncertainty often drive people to governments. And during the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments seem to be delivering. Trust in governments surged to an all-time high around the world, according to the 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer Spring Update report released last week.’

Read here (Straits Tines, June 22, 2020)

From Hong Kong to Britain, governments ranked poorly for their response to Covid-19

‘From Hong Kong to Britain, governments ranked poorly for their response to Covid-19. Survey of 23 economies finds ‘major cracks’ in self-belief across the Western world. China, Vietnam and India have impressed with their responses to Covid-19, while Hong Kong and Japan languish at the bottom.’

Read here (South China Morning Post, May 6, 2020)

Report of special survey on effects of COVID-19 on economy & individual - Round 1

‘This report provides a summary of findings Special Survey “Effect of Covid-19 on the Economy and Individual” - Round 1, was conducted online by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia for the period 23rd - 31 March 2020. This survey consists of 3 modules and 21 questions. A total of 168,182 respondents aged 15 years and above has participated in this survey. The analysis presented are based on respondent’s feedback that includes qualitative personal opinion on economics, employment and spending pattern.’

Read here (Department of Statistics Malaysia, DOSM, April 10?, 2020)