Many EU residents believe that scientists should make more of an effort to announce the findings of their research.
Figures from the European Commission's Eurobarometer series show 57 per cent of people think scientists should do more to let the public know about their discoveries.
However, a greater proportion - almost two-thirds of those surveyed - also believe that governments should increase their efforts to engage young people in scientific learning.
Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, commissioner for research, innovation and science, says: "These results show a very high awareness of the importance of science.
"But they also show that both politicians - like me - and scientists themselves need to explain better what we are doing and why."
While it may seem that all eyes are on South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at present, in Europe the picture is actually rather different.
Less than two-thirds (65 per cent) of people queried said they are interested in sport, compared with exactly four-fifths (80 per cent) of respondents who have an interest in science.
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