Science and Society Team

Pew Research Center’s science and society researchers study social, ethical and policy questions raised by discoveries and innovations in science. We use survey research to bring the public’s voice to the table, showing how Americans and people around the world feel about innovations that are driving societal change, as well as their trust in scientists and views about the scientific research enterprise.

We seek to understand how people engage in science-related activities and approach science information, most recently in our examination of the coronavirus outbreak. Key topics of research include public views of climate change and the environment, vaccines, space, evolution, food science, developments in biotechnology, gene editing and genetic engineering. Our work also looks at differences between expert and public opinion on science-related matters, issues related to STEM education and the STEM workforce.

Signature Publications

report | Sep 29, 2020

Science and Scientists Held in High Esteem Across Global Publics

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.

report | Jun 23, 2020

Two-Thirds of Americans Think Government Should Do More on Climate

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.

report | May 21, 2020

Trust in Medical Scientists Has Grown in U.S., but Mainly Among Democrats

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

WHERE YOU CAN FIND OUR WORK

We collaborate with teams and individuals across the Center to producer research on a variety of topics. Here are a few we’d like to highlight: