Do Americans want scientists to be involved in making policy? | Pew Research Center

November 11, 2024

Public Trust in Scientists and Views on Their Role in Policymaking

Do Americans want scientists to be involved in making policy?

Do Americans want scientists to be involved in making policy?

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Do Americans want scientists to be involved in making policy?

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Public Trust in Scientists and Views on Their Role in Policymaking
Confidence in scientists up slightly but remains lower than before pandemic
Most Americans see research scientists as intelligent, while fewer say they’re good communicators
Do Americans want scientists to be involved in making policy?
Confidence in scientists remains higher among Democrats than Republicans
Confidence in scientists to act in public’s best interests, by race and ethnicity
Scientists widely seen as intelligent; fewer than half view them as good communicators
Republicans and Democrats differ in views of research scientists’ traits, including honesty
Americans are divided over the role for scientists in scientific policy debates
Americans are split over whether public opinion should shape policies on scientific issues
Mixed views of scientists’ judgment and the quality of their scientific policy decisions