2021 Survey Summary

Since 2018, 3M has launched the annual State of Science Index to track attitudes to science. In 2021, we focused on how to understand and forecast the long-term impact COVID-19 had on perceptions of science. In addition, we went further on in-depth themes that have been previously explored in past surveys such as sustainability, STEM equity, and leadership in science. The 2021 State of Science Index was fielded from February to March 2021.

In the early months of 2021, the need for science became more apparent as COVID-19 vaccines were beginning to roll out. Wave five of the 3M State of Science Index showed more progression on people’s perceptions of science. Science skepticism was at its lowest point (34%) since tracking began in 2018 and it remained the same as the 2020 Pandemic Pulse. 

Notes of optimism seem to be a recurring theme. Trust in science was up seven points since 2018, and up one point from the 2020 Pandemic Pulse at 92%. Those who only believe science that aligns with their personal beliefs was down 7 points since 2019 at 35%. This was important to note because we saw how the world was viewing science a year into the pandemic, and as governments were beginning to roll out COVID-19 vaccines. 

Wave five of the State of Science Index came with more dynamics on how science influenced our behavior during the pandemic. It is important to understand how the world was viewing science a year into the pandemic. 93% of respondents agreed that to contain the spread of COVID-19, people’s actions should follow evidence and advice. With vaccine roll out, 92% agreed that vaccines are an essential part of how science addresses public health concerns. Likewise, 89% stated that most people they know were following scientific advice to stay safe during the pandemic. 

We saw the indifference toward science on a downward trajectory. 49% agreed that if science didn’t exist, their everyday lives wouldn’t be all that different—in comparison to the pre-pandemic results of 49%. In terms of people who rarely think about the impact of science in their everyday lives, the number dropped 5 points from 2020 pre-pandemic to 52%. 

The pandemic opened the world's eyes to the need for STEM education and careers. In times of uncertainty, creating more opportunities for younger generations is imperative. The key to sparking interests within STEM and science must start early with education. Attracting more students to STEM can be seen from: Teaching science in a more engaging way, providing children with different pathways within science, providing insights on how science can make the world better, and the schools’ investments in science curricula. Likewise, to expanding STEM education, the 2021 results show that STEM equity with underrepresented groups is still a major problem. With 92% agreeing that it is important to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM, there are still obstacles for women and other minority groups in STEM. To increase diversity in STEM, 3M has taken a new STEM goal to empower underrepresented individuals.

3M is set to advance economic equity by creating five million unique STEM and Skilled Trades learning experiences for underrepresented individuals by the end of 2025. Additional information regarding 3M’s goal to bridge the diversity gap in STEM can be found at 3M News Center.

Explore below to uncover some of the other major findings from the 2021 State of Science Index.