Science Funding & Policy

The share of Americans who say science has had a mostly positive impact on society has fallen 16 percentage points since before the start of the coronavirus outbreak, from 73% in January 2019 to 57% today.

A majority of Americans (69%) say it’s essential for the U.S. to continue to be a world leader in space. As private companies become a bigger part of the industry, the public gives them more positive than negative ratings for their contributions to space exploration and spacecraft development. Still, Americans continue to say NASA has a critical role to play going forward.

Large majorities value government investments in science and consider it important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievement, but few think the country is gaining ground globally.

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.

Nearly seven-in-ten Americans think it is very important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievements.

This roundup of findings shows public views about science-related issues and the role of science in U.S. society.

There is bipartisan support for several proposals to reduce the effects of climate change, especially for large scale tree-plantings to help absorb carbon emissions and offering tax credits to businesses that capture carbon emissions.

The gender gap in party identification remains the widest in a quarter century.

About six-in-ten Americans believe social distancing measures are helping a lot to slow the spread of coronavirus in the nation.

Nearly as many Americans say protecting the environment should be a top policy priority (64%) as say this about strengthening the economy (67%)