Six-in-ten in U.S. say scientists should take an active role in policy debates
Americans differ over the role and value of scientific experts in policy matters. While confidence in scientists overall tilts positive, people’s perspectives about the role and value of scientific experts on policy issues tends to vary. Six-in-ten U.S. adults believe that scientists should take an active role in policy debates about scientific issues, while about four-in-ten (39%) say, instead, that scientists should focus on establishing sound scientific facts and stay out of such debates.
Six-in-ten in U.S. say scientists should  | take an active role in policy debates  | % ofU.S. adults who say scientists should  | when it  | comes to public policy debates about scientific issues  | Focus on  | Take an  | establishing  | active role  | 39%  | 60%  | sound  | in policy  | scientific facts  | debates  | No answer 1%  | Source: Survey conducted Jan. 7-21, 2019  | "Trust and Mistrust in Americans Views of Scientific Experts"  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 