Introduction

Public scientific literacy - the ability of everyday citizens to understand basic scientific concepts and processes - has been a concern for decades.

"Science literacy is the artery through which the solutions of tomorrow's problems flow."

Neil deGrasse Tyson, American Astrophysicist and Author

One major factor is the long-term reduction in science education at the K-12 level. In the U.S., fewer basic science courses have been taught in schools over the past several decades, contributing to fewer students pursuing science and engineering degrees and leaving a large portion of the population - including policymakers - without a strong scientific foundation. This decline in early science exposure has ripple effects: fewer science majors, fewer scientifically trained teachers, and a public less equipped to evaluate scientific claims or participate in evidence-based decision-making.

Another challenge is the increasing complexity of modern science. As scientific research becomes more specialized and technical, the gap between experts and the general public widens. This can make scientific information feel inaccessible, especially when paired with limited formal education in the subject. At the same time, the rise of digital media has created an environment where misinformation spreads easily, often outpacing accurate scientific communication.

Broader literacy trends also play a role. In the U.S., general reading literacy has been declining since the mid-2010s, with high school seniors scoring at their lowest levels since 1992. Because scientific literacy depends in part on the ability to read, interpret, and evaluate complex information, declines in overall literacy make it even harder for the public to engage with scientific content.

The consequences of declining scientific literacy are significant. A population that struggles to understand scientific evidence is more vulnerable to misinformation, less able to participate in democratic decision-making on issues like climate change or public health, and less prepared for a workforce increasingly shaped by science and technology. As some scholars warn, countries that neglect science education risk weakening their economic competitiveness and their ability to respond to global challenges.

Reversing this trend requires strengthening science education, improving teacher training, fostering public engagement with science, and supporting media literacy. Scientific literacy is not just about knowing facts - it's about cultivating the ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, and understand how science shapes the world.

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