American Views on US Science: Public Opinion & Concerns
- This Pew Research Center report looks at Americans' views on scientists and scientific research.
- Learn more about Pew Research Center,our research on trust in science and other research on science and society.
- everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center's American Trends Panel.
Key takeaways:
Table of Contents
- Large shares of both Republicans and Democrats see being a world leader in science as critically important.
- Yet, Republicans and Democrats sharply diverge in their views of the direction of scientific research in the United states. The share of Democrats who say the U.S. is losing ground in science compared with other countries is up 28 percentage points since 2023.
- Most Republicans and Democrats continue to see government investments in scientific research as worthwhile, but Republicans are far more open to saying that it is possible for private investmen
Almost all Democrats and Republicans say it is at least somewhat important that the U.S. is a world leader in science. And more than half of Republicans and Democrats say this is very important (although Democrats are modestly more likely to say this).
The share of Americans who say it is very important for the U.S. to be a world leader in science is up five percentage points since 2023.
Those who lean to the GOP say the country is losing ground, down 12 points from 2023.
Democrats and Democratic leaners are now 33 points more likely than Republicans to say the country is losing ground to other countries in science. Two years ago, the difference was the opposite and far more modest: Democrats were seven points less likely to say this than Republicans.
What do Americans think of government funding of science?
Most Americans, including large majorities of Democrats and Republicans, say government investments in science are worthwhile.
In May 2025, the Trump administration proposed a federal budget that would drastically cut science funding, but Congress has been working on bills that could reject some of those cuts.
As of January 21, 2026, a new Pew Research Center study reveals a significant partisan divide in Americans’ views on the necessity of government investment in scientific progress. While a majority of Republicans acknowledge the value of government funding, they are less likely to deem it essential compared to Democrats.
According to the study, 54% of Republicans believe private investment alone is sufficient to drive scientific advancements, even without government support.Conversely, approximately 80% of democrats consider government investment crucial for scientific progress.
Which Institutions Contribute to Science in the U.S.?
The Pew Research Center also investigated public perception of which institutions are key contributors to science in the United States. Further details on this aspect of the study are forthcoming.
