Voters Say Government Should Invest Even More in Scientific Research at Colleges and Universities to Keep Americans Healthy, Prosperous, and Safe
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Science Coalition released the results of a new national survey today, revealing that robust federal investments in scientific research continue to unite Americans across party lines as a top national priority.
Key findings include:
- Three-quarters (74%) of voters support the federal government using taxpayer funds to invest in scientific research, with strong bipartisan support.
- More than 8 in 10 Americans (85%) believe it is important for the United States to be the global leader in scientific research and technology.
- Strong majorities of voters are concerned about the economic impacts of the current administration’s policy to reduce or freeze funding for scientific research could have on their state for medical research (75%), defense and security technologies that keep their states safe (72%), and job losses to those who contribute to research (72%).
- Voters’ top priorities for scientific research investment include:
- Medical research to prevent or cure diseases;
- Defense technologies to keep Americans safe; and
- Ensuring the U.S. is the global leader in scientific research and technology.
“This data reflects a fundamental truth — Americans across the political spectrum understand that our nation’s future prosperity, security, and technological leadership depend on sustained federal investment in fundamental scientific research,” said TSC President Abigail Robbins. “At a time of rapid change and heightened global competition, public consensus strongly supports maintaining federally funded scientific research.”
The survey was conducted online from March 25-31, 2025, with a national sample of over 1,500 registered voters from a range of political affiliations.
See here for the full survey results.
About The Science Coalition (TSC)
The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization comprised 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 to stimulate the economy, spur innovation, and drive America’s global competitiveness. Learn more at www.sciencecoalition.org.
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