Public Wants Greater Focus on Science-Based Decision-Making Says New International Survey from Philip Morris International

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) today released “In Support of the Primacy of Science,” a white paper exploring international attitudes regarding the role of science in society, business, and policymaking. The white paper—presenting findings from an independent survey, conducted by Povaddo for PMI, of over 19,000 adults across 19 countries and territories—indicates that citizens around the world want governments, public authorities, and private businesses to prioritize science and facts when tackling critical issues.

The global insights reveal that faith in science is high, with most people surveyed (77 percent) hopeful that advances in science will solve many of society’s biggest problems. Supporting this view, there is also strong interest in businesses prioritizing science, with 90 percent of respondents saying it is important to them that businesses invest continually in science to improve their products.

Despite these positive attitudes, nearly half of respondents (47 percent) believe that society does not place enough importance on science. Given the diverging opinions, the white paper challenges the need for regulators to place greater focus on science to inform policy decisions, with half (51 percent) of respondents believing that their “government does a good job ensuring science and evidence are included in the decision-making process.”

“Science can help make significant strides in our collective efforts to address the world’s most pressing problems” said Dr. Moira Gilchrist, vice president for Strategic & Scientific Communications at PMI. “Unfortunately, governments and broader society have yet to embrace science at its fullest potential, as this global survey shows. Ensuring facts and evidence are given greater prominence in policymaking—over ideology, politics, and unsubstantiated beliefs—will help match the public’s expectations for science to sit at the heart of decisions impacting them and their future.”

The survey also reveals that people’s access to accurate scientific information is far from assured today, with nearly half of the total sample indicating that they find it difficult to access reliable information about scientific developments and relevant studies.

“This finding is alarming and sends a clear signal across business, media, and government that accurately communicating scientific information should remain an important priority,” added Dr. Gilchrist. “When reliable scientific information is in short supply, misinformation, wild guesses, and hearsay can take more space and significantly hamper people’s ability to make informed decisions.”