Do Americans Think the Country Is Losing or Gaining Ground in Science?
Democrats and Republicans both think it is important that the U.S. is a world leader in science, but most Democrats now think it is losing ground compared with other countries.
Science
Sign up for our Internet, Science, and Tech newsletter
New findings, delivered monthly
All
Science
Publications
-
Findings at a glance: Medical research scientists
Most Americans have positive overall views of medical research scientists, but their views are more mixed when it comes to trust in them to do a good job, show concern for the public’s interest and provide fair and accurate information, according to a new Pew Research Center report.
-
Findings at a glance: Environmental health specialists
A majority of Americans have a positive overall view of environmental health scientists, though their opinions are more mixed when it comes to trust in them to do a good job, show concern for the community’s interest and provide fair and accurate information.
-
Findings at a glance: Environmental research scientists
A majority of Americans express positive overall views of environmental research scientists, though their opinions are more mixed when it comes to confidence in them to do a good job, show concern for the public’s interest and provide fair and accurate information.
-
Findings at a glance: Nutrition research scientists
About half of Americans have a positive view of nutrition research scientists, but minorities of U.S. adults think they can count on nutrition researchers to do a good job, show concern for the public interest or provide fair and accurate information about their research.
-
Findings at a glance: Medical doctors
Most Americans have positive overall views of medical doctors, and roughly half or more believe they can routinely count on medical doctors to do a good job, to show concern for patients’ interests and to provide fair and accurate information.
-
Findings at a glance: Dietitians
A majority of U.S. adults have a positive opinion of dietitians, and about half or more trust dietitians to perform their jobs with competence, to show concern for public interests and to provide fair and accurate nutrition information, according to a new Pew Research Center report.
-
Trust and Mistrust in Americans’ Views of Scientific Experts
Public confidence in scientists is on the upswing, and six-in-ten Americans say scientists should play an active role in policy debates about scientific issues, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
-
Democrats differ over best way to provide health coverage for all Americans
While Democrats broadly say the government has a responsibility to ensure health care coverage for all Americans, they are divided over how to achieve this.
-
How Americans see the future of space exploration, 50 years after the first moon landing
Most Americans think sending astronauts to Mars or the moon should be a lower priority for NASA – or say it should not be done at all.
-
A growing number of American teenagers – particularly girls – are facing depression
Depression is rising among American teenagers, and teen girls are particularly likely to have had recent depressive episodes.
REfine Your Selection
Date
Years
Formats
Regions & Countries
Research Teams
Authors
Signature Reports
AI and Human Enhancement: Americans’ Openness Is Tempered by a Range of Concerns
Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.
Science and Scientists Held in High Esteem Across Global Publics
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
Americans Largely Favor U.S. Taking Steps To Become Carbon Neutral by 2050
Majorities of Americans say the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and take steps toward the country becoming carbon neutral by the year 2050. But just 31% want to phase out fossil fuels completely, and many foresee unexpected problems in a major transition to renewable energy.
Biotechnology Research Viewed With Caution Globally, but Most Support Gene Editing for Babies To Treat Disease
Majorities say scientific research on gene editing is a misuse – rather than an appropriate use – of technology. But public acceptance of gene editing for babies depends on how it will be used, and views often differ by age and religion.
