Public trust in scientists is crucial for informed decision-making and societal well-being, but scepticism and misinformation continue to pose challenges. The Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) study, a global survey across 68 countries, including Ireland, sheds light on these concerns. This research highlights the importance of robust science education in fostering trust. Findings show a strong association between trust in scientific methods and overall trust in scientists and the importance of scientific professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning. These findings underscore the need for targeted science education efforts that prioritise critical thinking, understanding of the scientific process, and the ethical responsibilities of scientists.

This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of public trust in scientists within the Irish context, examining how Irish perceptions align with or diverge from global trends. Specifically, the paper seeks to:

• Compare and contrast the results of the Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) study for Ireland with the global TISP findings.

• Explore the specific factors that influence public trust in scientists in Ireland, particularly focusing on the role of age, education, and political orientation.

• Analyse qualitative responses to better understand the public's expectations of trustworthy scientists in Ireland.

• Discuss the implications of these findings for science education, science communication, and public engagement with science in Ireland.

This study adopts a perspective that acknowledges the evolving relationship between science and society in Ireland, informed by a historical understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped this landscape. While Ireland possesses a rich tradition of scientific inquiry, dating back to the meticulous observations of the natural world by monastic communities in early medieval times (MacNiocaill, 1975; McCarthy & Breen, 1997; McCarthy, 2008), the relationship between science and society has often been complex and marked by historical, cultural, and political factors (Roche et al., 2021).

The prominent role of the Catholic Church in Ireland historically presented a unique challenge, as some viewed engagement with science as a potential threat to the Catholic faith (O'Riordan, 1897; Finnegan & Wright, 2015). This tension is evident in the relatively slow development of formal science education in Ireland compared to other European countries. The establishment of the University of Dublin, Trinity College, in 1592 (McDowell & Webb, 2004), marked a pivotal moment in the development of formal science education, but the influence of the Church continued to shape societal attitudes towards scientific inquiry for a significant period.

Despite these challenges, Ireland witnessed a "golden age for Irish science" in the 18th and 19th centuries (Davies, 1985), with notable contributions from Irish scientists in fields like mathematics, geology, and astronomy. This period, however, was also marked by social and economic challenges that limited access to education and engagement with science for many citizens (Clarke, 1973; Ferriter, 2010).

In recent years, Ireland has seen the emergence of numerous public engagement initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between science and society (Trench et al., 2017). These efforts encompass a range of activities, including science festivals, public lectures, science shows, and interactive exhibitions, but more needs to be done to make these initiatives more inclusive and to ensure that they reach diverse audiences (Canfield & Menezes, 2020; Judd & McKinnon, 2021; Roche et al., 2023; Dawson, et al., 2024).

This study, drawing on the global TISP survey, seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of public perceptions of trust in scientists in Ireland. By exploring the factors that influence these perceptions, particularly the role of age, education, and political orientation, this paper aims to inform efforts to strengthen the relationship between science and society in Ireland, particularly within the context of science education.

The research employed a mixed-methods approach, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data. The study utilised an online survey, part of the global Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) project, which involved over 71,922 participants across 68 countries (Cologna et al., 2024). Irish data were collected independently by Bilendi & Respondi, a global market research company, working with Trinity College Dublin. The survey was administered online and included a 12-item index measuring trust in scientists, as well as questions regarding demographics, political orientation, religiosity, and other relevant factors (Mede et al., 2024). The Irish TISP sample included 506 respondents, weighted to reflect national distributions of age, gender, education level, and country sample size. The trust in scientists index was derived from a robust review of 35 trust measures used to assess perceptions of scientists (Besley et al., 2021). The index captures four dimensions of trustworthiness: competence, integrity, benevolence, and openness (Besley & Tiffany, 2023). The data were analysed using statistical techniques, including hierarchical multiple regression models to identify factors influencing trust in scientists in Ireland. In terms of qualitative data, participants were asked the open-ended question: "In your opinion, what makes a scientist trustworthy?" Qualitative content analysis was employed to analyse responses to this open-ended question, using both inductive and deductive coding (Elo & Kyngäs, 2008). The primary data source for this study is the Irish TISP survey, which was collected independently as part of the larger global TISP project. The Irish TISP data, along with the global TISP dataset, were analysed to compare and contrast Irish perceptions of trust in scientists with broader global trends. Additional data sources include relevant scholarly articles and reports on public trust in science, science education in Ireland, and the Irish science and society landscape.

Public trust in scientists is a critical foundation for navigating complex global challenges and fostering a society that embraces evidence-based decision-making. This study, examining public perceptions of trust in scientists in Ireland within a global context, reveals that while trust levels are generally moderate to high, there are important nuances to consider. The strong association between trust in scientific methods and overall trust underscores the importance of science education in promoting understanding and appreciation of the scientific process. The findings from the TISP study, combined with the broader research landscape, provide a roadmap for navigating this critical path forward. By fostering informed engagement, embracing ethical principles, and celebrating the value of scientific inquiry, we can cultivate a society where science is viewed as a source of progress, empowerment, and shared well-being.

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