Recent Reports & Studies: Bayer Survey Shows Strong Public Support for S&T

Americans say they take pride in our nation's leadership role in science and technology and believe the U.S. needs to continue investing in scientific research and development (R&D) in order to remain at the forefront of discovery and innovation, according to a Gallup survey conducted on behalf of the Bayer Corporation in partnership with the National Science Foundation. At the same time, many Americans also expressed concern about whether our educational system is preparing students for the challenges that accompany new technologies. 

The results of The Bayer Facts of Science Education VI: Americans' Views on Science, Technology, Education and the Future are consistent with the flurry of state S&T activities over the past twelve months and may help provide some directional push for future initiatives: 

• 93 percent say students in their state need a stronger education in science to be prepared for the new inventions, discoveries and technologies that increased investment will likely bring  
• 85 percent agreed that improving pre-college science education in their state should be one of their governor's top priorities 
• Two-thirds say science should be given equal teaching priority in elementary education with reading, writing and math 
• More than 80 percent say they are more likely to vote for a gubernatorial candidate who places a high priority on strengthening science and technology, with 19 percent saying "much more likely" 
• In general, 72 percent are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who places a high priority on strengthening science and technology, with 14 percent saying "much more likely." 
• Almost 90 percent say they are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who supports state and local efforts to strengthen science education (21 percent "much more likely"), and 
• 82 percent are more likely to vote for the candidate who supports federal efforts in this area (19 percent "much more likely"). 

When informed of U.S. 12th graders recent poor science performance on the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS), where U.S. students scored near the bottom compared with students from other countries, Americans believe this year's presidential candidates should be more concerned about science education and science literacy. Some 94 percent of respondents say the presidential candidates should be concerned about these issues, while 57 percent say presidential candidates should be "very concerned." 

The reason, the poll suggests, is that Americans see a strong connection between good education and U.S. economic success. Three-quarters agree that the poor TIMSS showing is an early warning that U.S. science and technology-related jobs may shift to countries whose citizens have stronger science literacy skills. Americans in all geographic regions expressed concern regarding this question. 

For a copy of the report, visit Bayer's web site at http://www.BayerUS.com

(thanks to ASME Capitol Update for the lead on this story)