Trust or Trouble? Public Perceptions of Citizen Science

Citizen science (CS) is often promoted as a means to strengthen public trust in science. However, it remains unclear how broader publics perceive CS compared to Institutionalised Science (IS). Using a quota-based sample of German internet users (N = 1,035), we conducted a comprehensive experimental investigation of perceptions of trustworthiness, epistemic and instrumental value, credibility and legitimacy of CS vs. IS projects. Results showed that IS was ascribed higher expertise and scientific legitimacy, whereas CS scored higher on benevolence and instrumental value. Moreover, individual differences, such as self-identification with science, deference to scientific authority and agreement with reasons not to trust scientists influenced these evaluations, while the participation level in CS projects did not. The findings reveal a tension between trust and scepticism: CS is perceived as a socially responsible and benevolent approach, yet one that challenges conventional assumptions about who can do science and what counts as scientific expertise.