The outlook for science is promising in India and despite the increase in scepticism (77 per cent) there is a high appreciation for science (93 per cent) and scientists (92 per cent) according to 3M 2022 State of Science Index (SOSI) report.

Indians believe in the role of science in their everyday lives (92 per cent) with many Indians expecting science to drive social impact, focusing on solutions for sustainability, health, and STEM equity challenges.

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.

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%).