The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has released the findings of its first-ever Public Engagement Survey, providing a comprehensive look at how adults across the UK interact with science and technology. The new official statistics, which cover the period between November 2025 and March 2026, offer valuable insights into the public's day-to-day experiences with DSIT's core sectors.
Conducted as a continuous 'push to web' survey, the initiative gathered data from UK adults aged 16 and over, aiming to produce statistically representative national estimates. This inaugural survey marks a significant step for DSIT in understanding public engagement, a crucial factor for informing policy and future initiatives within the scientific and technological landscape.
The survey's methodology and outputs are subject to the stringent oversight of the Office for Statistical Regulation (OSR). The OSR ensures that all producers of official statistics adhere to the Code of Practice for Statistics, which sets standards for trustworthiness, quality, and value. This regulatory framework provides assurance regarding the reliability and integrity of the data presented by DSIT.
DSIT has explicitly stated its commitment to continuously improving the quality of these estimates and better meeting user needs. The department has invited feedback on this initial release, encouraging stakeholders and the public to submit comments via email. This open approach to feedback underscores the iterative nature of official statistics gathering and DSIT's dedication to refining its data collection and reporting.
The release also confirmed that ministers and officials were granted pre-release access to the findings, a standard practice for official statistics. The accompanying document details those who received early access, with DSIT noting that the list was kept to a minimum and access for briefing purposes was limited to a maximum of 24 hours, in line with best practice guidelines.