Carmelo Polino
Permanent lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, University of Oviedo
"Social perception surveys on science and technology are tools used by public science and technology policies to understand society's expectations or fears regarding scientific and technological development and, consequently, to formulate communication policies that bring science closer to society by promoting a culture of scientific literacy among citizens.
The 2024 Social Perception of Science and Technology Survey, conducted by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT), thus reinforces its role as a solid and long-standing tool for analysing citizens' attitudes towards science and technology in Spain. With a historical series dating back to 2002, this study makes it possible to detect longitudinal changes in interest, trust and attitudes towards science and technology. It also allows for comparison with international trends using indicators compatible with surveys such as Eurobarometer, data compiled in Science and Engineering Indicators in the United States, and various surveys conducted in Latin American countries.
The results of the 2024 edition show that the general public is interested in science and has a high level of trust in scientific institutions and professions, although there is also a clear demand for greater social connection. A structural gap persists between interest and perceived information, which is noticeable both in relation to science and technology in general and in relation to environmental, medical and health issues. This phenomenon is not unique to Spain, as it is observed repeatedly in other European and Latin American countries. In any case, it reflects a challenge for science communication policies.
The inclusion of topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change is particularly timely. The study reveals ambivalent attitudes: citizens are beginning to recognise the increasingly widespread use of AI-based technologies and acknowledge their benefits, while at the same time expressing mistrust regarding their governance, impact on employment and data protection. In the climate sphere, there is widespread concern about the seriousness of the problem and its human origin, although this is tempered by scepticism about the effectiveness of institutional measures and a growing demand for distributive justice. These data are consistent with theoretical approaches that emphasise the complexity of attitudes and highlight the importance of both trust and informed criticism in relation to the risks of scientific and technological development.
In terms of information channels, the use of digital media and social networks is becoming more widespread among young people, while traditional channels (television, press, radio) remain highly influential. The survey warns of the impact these channels have on trust. Thus, a key challenge for democratic health is linked to the difference in views on scientific activity between those who obtain information from official or specialised sources (with more favourable views) and those who resort to informal media such as social networks or messaging channels (with tendentially more critical views).
It is also important to highlight that the results show different social gaps, in line with the evidence accumulated in the time series. For example, generational or socioeconomic gaps in relation to interest, access to information, or opportunities for cultural participation (visits to science museums, for example). Scientific culture is asymmetrical and, in many ways, a reflection of social inequalities and the greater difficulties experienced by the most disadvantaged social groups.
Finally, it is true that among the limitations of opinion polls, the expected effects of self-reporting bias and the difficulty of capturing more complex opinions through closed formats are worth highlighting. However, the biennial design, the breadth of topics covered and the socio-demographic segmentation reinforce the robustness and usefulness of the results. The implications are clear: to strengthen the link between science and society, it is not enough to increase funding or scientific output.
The continued application of the survey confirms that it is essential to improve public communication, strengthen critical culture, promote citizen participation in knowledge governance and actively address the ethical and political tensions that emerge around science. Perhaps one of the most significant findings is the growing demand for science that is more accessible, transparent and oriented towards the common good. It is significant that, although universities, hospitals and public research centres are viewed positively, a smaller proportion of the population (37%) believes that scientists take citizens into account in their research.
In summary, the survey outlines a citizenry that values and trusts scientific activity. It is significant that there is still broad consensus on the importance of investing in R&D. However, the public expects more dialogue, better communication and greater social involvement from those involved. In short, there is a demand for science with a human face, that is understandable and more socially responsible. The FECYT survey is a key tool for guiding public science and technology policies that respond to these concerns in society.