3M launches State of Science Index 2022 report

The outlook for science is promising in India and despite the increase in skepticism (77%) there is a high appreciation for science (93%) and scientists (92%) reports the 3M 2022 State of Science Index (SOSI). Indians believe in the role of science in their everyday lives (92%), with many Indians expecting science to drive social impact, focusing on solutions for sustainability, health, and STEM equity challenges.

The State of Science Index survey has revealed that the belief that misinformation on science is widespread across the country, which poses a threat to scientific credibility. Regardless of the subject, Indians say misinformation is prevalent on social media (84%) and traditional news (84%). On a positive note, 92% of Indians trust scientists, and 96% want to hear more from scientists about their work.

According to SOSI, Indians believe there will be consequences, including more public health crises (57%), greater division within society (52%) and lesser job opportunities (55%). Indians recognize that science plays a crucial role in shaping social mindsets. Most notable Indians want science to prioritize vaccines for future pandemics more so than other countries (57% vs. 50% globally).

Most Indians are concerned that they or a loved one may be displaced from where they live in the future due to extreme weather related to climate change (92% vs. 79% globally). Reports indicate Indians are more concerned today than they were a year ago about intensifying natural disasters (77%), ocean plastics pollution (78%), climate change (79%), clean water supply (79%) and air pollution (81%).

Ninety three percent of Indians believe there are barriers to students pursuing a STEM education. They identify access (83%), affordability (43%), and bias/prejudice toward women (34%) or minorities (28%) as the greatest barriers. And while nearly all Indians believe it is important to increase DE&I in STEM fields (89%), most agree that underrepresented minority groups do not receive equal access to STEM education (86%). Nearly half of all Indians believe students have too many personal responsibilities to focus on STEM education. (43% vs. 37% globally)

According to SOSI respondents, healthcare is a key area where Indians are looking to science for solutions. Nearly one in every two Indians believe that beyond the current pandemic, science should prioritize cures for chronic diseases (50%), cancer treatments (45%), addressing mental and emotional health issues (41%), vaccines for future pandemics (57%) and addressing root causes/social drivers of health issues (44%).