Public opinion regarding scientific developments such as genetically modified food can be mixed. We suggest such science-based technological innovations are rejected by some because they are perceived to be advanced as part of a conspiracy. In nationally representative samples (Australia n = 1011; New Zealand n = 754), we report the associations between five conspiracism facets and anti-science attitudes. Results indicate broad public opposition to genetically modified food and use of nuclear power, but more acceptance of renewable power, potable recycled water, 5G networks, and childhood vaccinations. There were small to moderate associations between the rejection of scientific innovations and conspiracism. Multivariate models estimating unique associations of conspiracism facets with anti-science attitudes suggested several novel and important relationships, particularly for childhood vaccination, genetically modified food, and 5G networks. We discuss the importance of examining factors such as conspiracism in understanding what may motivate and sustain rejection of scientific evidence-based claims about socially contentious technological innovations.

关于转基因食品等科学发展的公众舆论可能喜忧参半。我们建议这种基于科学的技术创新被一些人拒绝，因为它们被认为是阴谋的一部分。在具有全国代表性的样本中（澳大利亚n  = 1011；新西兰n = 754），我们报告了五个阴谋论方面与反科学态度之间的关联。结果表明，公众普遍反对转基因食品和核能的使用，但更多地接受可再生能源、可饮用循环水、5G 网络和儿童疫苗接种。拒绝科学创新和阴谋论之间存在小到中度的关联。估计阴谋论方面与反科学态度的独特关联的多变量模型提出了一些新颖而重要的关系，特别是对于儿童疫苗接种、转基因食品和 5G 网络。我们讨论了检查阴谋论等因素的重要性，以了解什么可能会激发和维持拒绝以科学证据为基础的关于具有社会争议的技术创新的主张。