WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) today released results from a national poll focused on Americans’ perceptions of federally funded fundamental research which demonstrates widescale support for government investment in the U.S. research enterprise.

The poll found two-thirds of voters, regardless of party, believe Congress should invest more in scientific research, and nearly all agree that it is essential to keep up this investment, even during hard fiscal times. As lawmakers assess solutions to avoid a default on the national debt, and at the tail end of the pandemic, it is clear moneysaving measures should not come at the price of American innovation. In fact, the data from the poll showed a majority of voters believe the United States should be the global research leader but are concerned the nation is losing ground to China and other countries.

“This poll demonstrates Americans’ understanding of and appreciation for robust, consistent, and sustained federal investment in fundamental research,” said TSC President Laura Kolton. “Over the last three years, our country has seen the tremendous return on investment in research, and voters are clearly supportive of Congress continuing to fund work that not only saves lives, but also fosters a competitive workforce and drives technology to keep our nation safe. Most importantly, these findings cut across parties. In a divided Congress, lawmakers should feel confident about working across the aisle on legislation to fund the next chapter of U.S. science and research and stay at the cutting edge of innovation.”

Background

Topline Findings:

  • Nearly eight in 10 voters approve of the federal government using taxpayer funds to invest in scientific research, with strong support across parties.
  • Two-thirds of voters say we should invest more in scientific research, and nearly all agree it is essential to invest even during hard fiscal times.
  • Nearly all voters believe it is important for the U.S. to be the global leader in scientific research and technology.
  • Voters are concerned the U.S. is losing ground in science to China and other global competitors.
  • Voters recognize that scientific research contributes to society, and see lifesaving medicines, a competitive workforce, and national security as important outcomes of research.

Methodology:

Forbes Tate Partners Insights conducted a national online survey amount N=1,000 registered likely voters from February 20 – 23, 2023.

The margin of error for an N-1,000 sample size is +/- 3.10% at the 95% confidence interval.

About The Science Coalition

Established in 1994, The Science Coalition is a nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research universities. It is dedicated to sustaining the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research as a means to stimulate the economy, and drive America’s global competitiveness.