Trust for engineers nearly on a par with healthworkers
20 Dec 2023
A massive 85% of people surveyed say they trust engineers to tell the truth, says the latest Ipsos Veracity Index completed with the assistance of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The research reveals that they are the fourth most trusted profession in Great Britain out of a list of 30 different categories, with the top three positions were taken by various healthcare professionals, headed by pharmacists.
It is the sixth year running that engineers have been included on the index, which began tracking attitudes four decades ago. However, while the profession has been rated consistently highly, it achieved a still more impressive score of 89% in 2020.
The IET acknowledged however that the survey did reveal a higher level of distrust among younger people possibly related to lower awareness of the profession. It added that it planned to raise its profile through annual Engineer a Better World campaign and the recent Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.
Dr Gopichand Katragadda, IET President, said: “This trust in engineers positions us uniquely to lead the charge in responsible AI and Climate Change Action. Responsible AI is about creating technology that not only advances our capabilities but does so ethically and sustainably.
“As engineers, we have the responsibility to ensure that AI systems are fair, transparent, and inclusive, respecting privacy and diversity. Our role extends beyond innovation to shaping AI that aligns with societal values and norms.
“With climate change being one of the most pressing challenges of our time, engineers are at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions.. Our trusted position enables us to drive meaningful change, ensuring technology and progress go hand in hand with environmental stewardship”
