Science Progress and Priorities
Top US Science Priorities for 2021
Section 01
Survey Overview and Demographics
General Overview
Geographic Coverage: United States
Expertise:
- 71% Biology
- 18% Civil and Environmental Engineering
- 11% Geography
Response Overview
Sample Size: 2436
Valid Responses: 451
Response Rate: 18.8
Date initial findings posted: 01.18.21
Most recent update: 01.18.21
Days survey in field: 34
Average response time: 7.5
Survey Demographics
Respondent Demographics:
- 35% Female
- 65% Male
- 100% Academic
- 0% Industry
Language(s): English
Section Overview
We asked scientists to prioritize 22 science and technology topics for attention by the U.S. over the next 12 months.
The following graphs show the top 10 topics overall, followed by the top-ranked issues grouped into three topic areas: science practice, science communication, and science policy.
Question
Top 10 science priorities for the US in 2021. (Exact question wording: “How much of a priority should each of the following science and technology topics be for the U.S. over the next 12 months?”)
Finding
According to scientists, nine of the 10 top priorities are related to communication with the public and public policy areas.Among the top 10 issues identified as critical priorities for US-based science and technology, “Enhancing public trust in science” (64%) and “Advancing climate change policy” (61%) are believed as the top priorities for 2021.
Question
Top priorities for the practice of science for the US in 2021.
Finding
A majority of scientists (70%) responded that advancing racial diversity in the scientific workforce should be one of the top science practice priorities for 2021.
Question
Top science policy priorities for the US in 2021.
Finding
With regard to public policy, scientists responded that “Advancing climate change policy” (61%), “Expediting COVID-19 research” (43%), and “Enhancing global competitiveness of US science” (32%), are top priorities for 2021.
Question
Top science communication priorities for the US in 2021.
Finding
When thinking about ways to communicate science to the public, the majority of scientists responded that “Enhancing public trust in science” (64%), “Confronting science denialism” (53%), and “Improving the use of science to inform public policy” (53%) should be top priorities in 2021
