A new study reveals that while most Americans value science and believe it benefits society, their relationship with science is more complex than those positive views suggest. Researchers from North Carolina State University conducted a national survey of 1,854 Americans and found that over 60% expressed interest in science or believed in its societal value. However, fewer than half felt science was credible or that they belonged to the scientific community. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, highlights significant differences across demographic groups, with women, people without college or graduate degrees, and Black Americans reporting weaker connections to science in some areas. These findings point to ongoing challenges in making science more accessible and inclusive for all people. The researchers, Brooklynn Joyner and Lincoln Larson from NC State’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, suggest that increasing public engagement with scientific research could help bridge these gaps. One approach they highlight is citizen science, a practice that allows everyday people to participate in scientific research by collecting and analyzing data. The study found that about 14% of Americans had taken part in multiple citizen science projects, and these individuals reported greater interest in science, more confidence in their ability to engage with it, and a stronger sense of belonging and belief in its value. Despite the general interest in science, the survey found that only 43% of Americans believe it is credible. Joyner explained that while people want to believe in science, they live in a society that is increasingly skeptical. People are often concerned that science is influenced by various agendas and that they lack the information needed to fully understand it. Larson added that while the public may trust the value of science, they often distrust scientists themselves, fearing that researchers may be influenced by corporate or political interests. The study also found that Black Americans were less likely to believe science has value to society, and women were less likely to be interested in science. Joyner and Larson noted that science has long had issues with accessibility and inclusivity, with historical barriers preventing women and people of color from participating in scientific fields. They emphasized that when science is not accessible to certain groups, it can affect how those groups view science overall. To build trust, scientists must find ways to connect with historically marginalized communities and ensure that science is both accessible and understood by a diverse public. Joyner and Larson also discussed the role of citizen science in making science feel more relevant and inclusive. They believe that by involving people in research projects that matter to them—such as monitoring local ecosystems or studying space—science can become more transparent and relatable. They called for greater awareness of citizen science and more efforts to reach underrepresented groups. Both researchers stressed the importance of scientists becoming more engaged in their communities and making science a part of everyday life, rather than a distant academic pursuit.