Australians love science and technology, but do not really know what it’s all about – according to a new report.

The survey found 80 per cent agreed that science was very important to solving many of the problems facing society today, yet only 49 per cent could name an Australian achievement in science and technology.

Eighty-seven per cent of respondents said they had spoken about technology with friends, family or colleagues in a social situation in the previous 12 months, and two thirds had visited a science-related venue.

Participants placed much more trust in scientists than they did in radio talkback hosts, politicians or religious leaders, but 21 per cent did not know who they could trust as a source of accurate scientific information.

Around nine per cent felt they could not trust any authority.

Only 31 per cent and 40 per cent respectively felt the media provided them with enough information about science, and technology. Nearly 60 per cent cited internet searches as their preferred source of information.

The survey of 1020 Australians over the age of 18 was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs.

The report is accessible here.