Science beyond boundaries

There is an incredible diversity of thought in what people around the world think about science. While many are fascinated by the subject, others are still distrustful, skeptical and intimidated. Because we believe in the power of science to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges, we were curious how the world perceives science.

Across the world, people often look to those who have emerged successful in life as role models and for inspiration—whether they share interests, talents, backgrounds or other commonalities. We asked a global audience who they would rather have dinner and a conversation with if given an opportunity: a celebrity or respected scientist in their home country.

What could be causing this surprising response to scientists? Think about the high-tech society in which we live, where tech moguls like Elon Musk and scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson are considered superstars. Science has become synonymous with positive advances we never thought we would see in our lifetime.

Many of the adults we surveyed saw the benefits science could bring to society. Let’s try a word association exercise: When you think about the word “science,” what comes to mind?

Upon hearing the word “science,” 90 percent were hopeful compared to 10 percent who felt discouraged. Similarly, 87 percent of people felt fascinated by the word science and only 13 percent were bored.