Gen Z +
Millennials
84%
believe there are barriers to students pursuing a STEM education
State of Science Index Survey
SELECT COUNTRY
Around the world, people see the importance of science to their lives
For the past five years, the 3M State of Science Index has explored global attitudes about science. In 2022, people recognize the relevancy of science to their lives and are looking for science to provide solutions to major social issues.
Click on the map to view findings from each participating country.
Discover findings from each participating country.
Select a country on the map or from the list below:
Global trust in science is high and appreciation is stronger than pre-pandemic times
"Science is very important to my everyday life."
46%
2020
pre-pandemic
pre-pandemic
vs.
52%
2022
Trust is especially strong in younger generations
More survey stats
But misinformation presents a threat to scientific credibility
People agree, misinformation is widespread across channels
Social media
85%
Traditional news
72%
When it comes to scientific facts, people are more likely to trust traditional media
Social media
44%
Traditional news
75%
If we can't trust news stories about science, there will be consequences, including:
More public health crises
61%
More division within society
57%
More severe effects of climate change
53%
Wondering how to tell fact from fiction? Here are some tips to determine your news source is credible.
VIEW TIPS
Through social impact, science can help combat these risks
Around the world, people are connecting the dots to how science can solve issues that resonate in their lives.
Among the top issues people want science to solve (beyond the COVID-19 pandemic), are:
Climate change
58%
Equal access to quality healthcare
54%
Climate change is becoming increasingly personal
More survey stats
70%
of people say
Extreme weather is the #1 direct impact of climate change
79%
of people are
Concerned they or a loved one may be displaced due to extreme weather
And people are looking to
science to minimize the effects:
Science can help minimize the effects of climate change
People should follow the science to help make the world more sustainable
Barriers to pursuing STEM persist
Top barriers:
Access*
76%
Affordability
47%
*Access includes "Lack of STEM classes in school," "Not enough STEM educators/teachers" and "Lack of internet access"
Women and minorities may be more susceptible to these barriers
More survey stats
Survey respondents show particular concern for women and girls in STEM:
More needs to be done to encourage and keep women/girls engaged in STEM education
84%
Women are a source of untapped potential in the STEM workforce
81%
"Challenges around STEM equity begin at an early age for women and underrepresented minorities, and continue to snowball for those who choose to pursue STEM careers against all odds."
- Jayshree Seth, corporate scientist and chief science advocate, 3M
Underrepresented minorities often do not receive equal access to STEM education
71%
It's important to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM fields
87%
When it comes to social justice and change, access to quality healthcare comes first
13 of 16 Countries*
agree their home country should prioritize improving access to quality healthcare
There's no doubt the pandemic has taken a significant toll on mental health.
* Question not asked in UAE
Top healthcare advancements science should prioritize beyond the pandemic:
62%
Cures for chronic disease
57%
Cancer treatments
Addressing mental health is on par with developing vaccines.
50%
Addressing mental and emotional health issues
50%
Vaccines for future pandemics
46%
Addressing the root causes & social drivers of health
Optimism for the future of science is strong
87%
agree that in the future, the world will be more dependent on scientific knowledge than ever before
1 out of 2
believe they will have a greater appreciation for science five years from now
53%
How can we ensure that science stays in the spotlight, and continues to foster hope and optimism?
Address bias that keeps science from reaching its full potential
See more from 3M >Continue to show how science provides solutions to the issues that matter most
See more from 3M >Continue to show how science improves the everyday lives of people around the world
See more from 3M >