Americans fear decline in math and science

Washington -- More than half of Americans (52 percent) don't believe the US is performing well in science and math education compared to other nations, according to a recent poll commissioned by Research!America.

But they know science is very important (85 percent), said the poll by the leading not-for-profit public education and advocacy on the basis of a telephone survey of 800 adults across the United States.

Most (87 percent) rate being a scientist as one of the most prestigious careers, yet 75 percent can't name a living scientist. Sixty-four percent don't think average Americans are knowledgeable about science, and 76 percent think it is very important that young people are encouraged to pursue scientific careers, and that more opportunities for these careers are created.

The poll also found that Americans see the role of science as most important to health and to eliminating disease, as compared to other societal issues. However, Americans understand the growing interdisciplinary nature of medical progress.

While a majority (66 percent) say that the most important scientific research today takes place in medical and health-related fields, they also say medical progress is greatly influenced by research in chemistry (83 percent), computer science (62 percent), physics (58 percent), math (56 percent) and engineering (49 percent).

Six in ten (59 percent) Americans also say that US would make more progress in research to improve health if scientists from different fields are encouraged to work together.

The poll also found that nearly all (97 percent) think it is important that the US be a global leader in scientific research.

Most (97 percent) also believe scientific research is important to the US economy, as are the biotech and pharmaceutical industries specifically (94 percent). Ninety-four percent also say investing in scientific research is important in terms of job creation and higher incomes.

Other key findings of the poll include:

* 70 percent want more media coverage of science and research

* 67 percent see science as very important to the US standard of living

* 67 percent see scientific research as very important in addressing global warming and 61 percent in eliminating poverty and hunger around the world.