Connecting the 2023 Survey to 3M Forward

For the sixth year, 3M is sharing unique insights from our original research project, the State of Science Index. The State of Science Index is a third-party, independent research study commissioned by 3M that tracks and explores global attitudes toward science, taking the pulse on how people think and feel about the field and its impact on the world around us. In 2023, as part of 3M Forward, our SOSI data underscores three unstoppable forces shaping our planet: climate change and resource scarcity, shifting demographics and social change and convergence of the physical and digital worlds.

Fielded September 21, 2022 – December 7, 2022 by global market research firm Ipsos, the 2023 wave of data explores the future of science and captures sentiment related to 3M’s core brand priorities of STEM equity, skilled trades, sustainability, health, and future innovation. It also gives us six years' worth of trends about how the perception of science has changed as the world continues to tackle challenges that impact our lives—and rely on scientific solutions.

Why are we conducting this research?
Science matters to 3M. We want to create a better world through science, and we want to inspire others to join us in that effort. To do so, we need to understand what the world thinks of science—and the role it plays in society—because it could impact the future. 3M’s State of Science Index presents original, independent and nationally representative (based on census demographics) research conducted among the general population around the world.