Confidence in science is high or very high among 56% of people questioned in the study, according to the University of Zurich Science BarometerExternal link. This compares with 57% in its first barometer in 2016.
“There is no evidence of any substantial loss of trust in science in our society,” says University of Zurich professor Mike Schäfer, who led the study with Julia Metag from the University of Münster. “This also corresponds to findings from comparable studies in other countries,” he added.
Trust in university researchers is even stronger, with 64% saying it was high or very high.
64% also believe that scientific research improves their lives, and almost three-quarters (73%) consider that basic research should be supported by the state.
Climate and energy research are viewed as the priorities for science in the coming years, followed by health and nutrition. Transport and mobility, immigration and integration as well as communication and digitalisation also feature on the respondents’ list of priorities.
The telephone survey was conducted in June-July 2019 among 1,050 people aged over 15 living in French, German and Italian speaking regions of Switzerland.
More
More
Swiss scientists win Nobel Prize in Physics
This content was published on
Swiss scientists Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics together with Canadian-American James Peebles.
This content was published on
Swiss International Air Lines will avoid Pakistani airspace until further notice due to rising tension between India and Pakistan.
Swiss defence minister reaffirms military cooperation with neighbours
This content was published on
On his first trip abroad in government, Defence Minister Martin Pfister visited the Swiss troops taking part in a major exercise in Austria.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Why is solar power struggling to take off in Switzerland?
This content was published on
Despite being the second-biggest source of renewable energy in Switzerland, solar power is struggling to break through at a national level.
This content was published on
The Swiss approach to boosting renewable energy is far too passive and slow, finds a specialist for environmental science and management.
Swiss research institutes to merge to combat climate change
This content was published on
Two Swiss government institutes specialising in water, snow and forests will be merged to focus on climate change and sustainability.
This content was published on
Dominik Hangartner of ETH Zurich has been awarded the 2019 Latsis Prize for recognition of his work on migration policies and how to improve them.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.