Building Public Trust in Science and Technology: A Crucial Step for Australia’s Future
By Bronwyn Adams, 2 June 2025
Amid challenges like climate change, food security, and the rising impact of AI, Australia has an urgent need for innovative scientific solutions. However, successful implementation hinges on public trust in the institutions driving these developments.
Declining trust in global institutions, exacerbated by events such as pandemics and misinformation, raises significant concerns. Fortunately, a recent CSIRO study indicates that Australia ranks fifth globally in trust towards scientists—a rare position not influenced by political affiliations.
On May 27, leaders from the science and tech sector convened at CSIRO’s "Trust in Science and Technology 2025" event in Brisbane. This gathering represented the culmination of seven years of research led by Dr. Justine Lacey, who emphasized the critical relationship between public perception and scientific innovation. "People sit at the heart of innovation," Dr. Lacey stated. Her research identified four key drivers of trust: governance practices, research ethics, scientists’ responsiveness, and risk management.
Public expectations are clear; research must yield beneficial societal outcomes. While many Australians have faith in the ethical conduct of the science sector, there’s skepticism regarding whether technology addresses social inequalities.
The role of CSIRO as Australia’s national science agency is pivotal. Chief Executive Dr. Doug Hilton stressed the importance of consumer engagement in research, advocating for transparency and community dialogue. "We must learn what impacts the public expects from our work," he noted, particularly concerning emerging technologies like AI.
Establishing trust is essential for the future. CSIRO provides evidence-based strategies to enhance public confidence, emphasizing that effective collaboration is key to overcoming Australia’s pressing challenges and fostering a brighter future.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
