Attractive science presenters like Brian Cox or Alice Roberts are perceived as less competent than ordinary-looking scientists, a new study shows.

While scientists who combine brains and beauty were found to be more interesting, the public believes they are less academically able, and so may distrust their opinions or findings.

Lead researcher Dr Will Skylark, from Cambridge University's Department of Psychology, said: "Given the importance of science to issues that could have a major impact on society, such as climate change, food sustainability and vaccinations, scientists are increasingly required to engage with the public.

"We know from studies showing that political success can be predicted from facial appearance, that people can be influenced by how someone looks rather than, necessarily, what they say. We wanted to see if this was true for scientists."

In the first of a series of trials, 3,100 volunteers were shown photos of more than 300 British and American scientists and asked to rate them for intelligence and attractiveness.