Brian Kennedy is a senior researcher at the Pew Research Center, where he focuses on science and society research. He is an expert on public opinion on a number of science-related topics and frequently writes about public views on climate and energy issues and public trust in science. His work on climate, energy and environmental attitudes includes Majorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change and Americans Divided Over Direction of Biden’s Climate Policies. And his publications on public trust in scientists include Americans Trust in Scientists, Positive Views of Science Continue to Decline and Americans Value U.S. Role as Scientific Leader, but 38% Say Country Is Losing Ground Globally

Kennedy frequently discusses research on public opinion on climate, energy and environmental issues and public trust in science with the media and presents research on these topics to outside groups.

Kennedy is also an expert in methodological topics, including scale development. He has developed survey questions and scales to measure science knowledge and awareness of artificial intelligence in daily activities

He received his Ph.D. in political science at Michigan State University, where his work focused on cross-national attitudes about climate change. Kennedy received his bachelor’s degree at Davidson College.