At a time of intense focus on public attitudes toward science, the Pew Research Center has released a compelling cross-national survey on science and society conducted in 20 countries across the globe. Majorities across these publics express at least some confidence in scientists and support for national investments in scientific research, though many fewer have “a lot” of confidence, and, in 10 countries, 50 percent or fewer say developments in science have had a “mostly positive effect on society” – including 41 percent in the United States.
 
The study, conducted before the coronavirus pandemic, found broad concern about global warming and other environmental issues and support for environmental protection and alternative energy sources. Among other findings, the wide-ranging survey also found mixed views on developments in artificial intelligence, workplace automation and food science.
 
We at Langer Research Associates are proud to have served as the Pew Center’s primary vendor for surveys in nine of the countries covered by the project, producing nearly 14,000 random-sample interviews to Pew’s high standards in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain and the United Kingdom.