Flight or flight? - How the coronavirus pandemic has affected scientists’ willingness to engage with the public

Frank Marcinkowski (), Hella de Haas and Sarah Kohler
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Frank Marcinkowski: Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf
Hella de Haas: Hochschule Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences
Sarah Kohler: Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract During the coronavirus pandemic, scientists who worked to overcome the outbreak received recognition, but also opposition and even hostility. This article examines how the experience of the pandemic has affected the willingness of scientists to engage with the public. Derived from a comprehensive survey of 4207 scientists at German universities and research institutions, animosity towards scientists during the pandemic has created a sense of insecurity that may cause them to withdraw from the public eye. Depending on the relative strength of two cognitive appraisals, the severity of the threat and the appropriateness of the retreat option, the likelihood of respondents engaging with the public varies significantly.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05023-3

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