Scientists are reporting high levels of abuse over COVID-19.

Around 1 in 5 Australian scientists in a recent survey said they experienced death threats and/or threats of physical or sexual violence after speaking to the media about COVID-19. 

The study covered the experiences of the 50 scientists who chose to respond to the survey, not a random sample of researchers who have given media interviews on COVID-19.

The survey found that 31 of the 50 scientists reported some level of trolling after appearing in the media to talk about COVID-19. 

“Scientists are facing pandemic levels of abuse for simply trying to help us all wrap our heads around COVID-19,” said Lyndal Byford the Director of News and Partnerships at the Australian Science Media Centre (Aus SMC).

“During the pandemic, many scientists became celebrities, appearing regularly on our TV screens, radios and in our newsfeeds. They helped all of us understand this awful virus,” said Ms Byford. 

“But for some, the abuse they received for this public service has made them think twice about appearing in the media again.”

Around 40 per cent of the Australian scientists who responded and 60 per cent of international scientists said the trolling and personal attacks have impacted their willingness to speak to the media in the future. 

These experiences are also taking a toll on experts’ mental health, with over 30 per cent of Australian respondents saying it has had emotional and psychological impacts.

While scientists said their experiences with the media themselves were largely positive, the experts say they must be better prepared and supported if we want them to keep helping us through the pandemic. 

The trolling of scientists is also not confined to COVID-19, with experts in other sectors also sharing personal tales of threats and abuse, although more research is needed to understand the full scale of the issue.