Americans broadly favor government funding for medical and science research
Many Americans say government investments in medical research, engineering and technology or basic scientific research usually pay off in the long run.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Majority of Americans Believe It Is Essential That the U.S. Remain a Global Leader in Space
Despite the increasing role of private companies in space exploration, most believe NASA’s role is still vital for future
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Majorities See Government Efforts to Protect the Environment as Insufficient
At the same time, Americans are closely divided over whether or not it is possible to cut back on regulations while still effectively protecting air and water quality.
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Americans Divided on Whether Recent Science Protests Will Benefit Scientists’ Causes
More Democrats and younger adults believe last month’s science marches will lead to public support for science, while Republicans and older adults tend to disagree.
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Americans divided on government’s role in space exploration
From the moon landings to Star Wars, Americans have long had a fascination with space and affection for NASA, but today’s public is divided on what role their government should play in future space exploration.
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Americans, Politics and Science Issues
The general public’s political views are strongly linked to their attitudes on climate and energy issues. But politics is a less important factor on biomedical, food safety, space issues.
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NASA popularity still sky-high
NASA continues to be very popular among the public, with four times as many Americans holding a favorable view of the space agency as unfavorable (68% vs. 17%).
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Americans keen on space exploration, less so on paying for it
Americans are consistently more likely to say that the U.S. spends too much on space exploration than too little.
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Majority Sees U.S. Leadership in Space as Essential
Fifty years after the first American manned space flight, nearly six-in-ten say it is essential that the U.S. continue to be a world leader in space exploration and a majority say it has been a good investment for the country.
