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Public Attitudes to R&D and Governments and Politicians 2026

09 Jan 2026

This briefing summarises public attitudes to R&D and government and politicians. It is based on evidence from extensive quantitative and qualitative research carried out by CaSE since 2022. Full results can be found on CaSE’s Public Opinion Research pages.

Key points include:

  • The UK Government is associated with R&D
  • Government investment in R&D is supported and seen as beneficial
  • Politicians tend to be less trusted as messengers

I think you feel, probably, you would be more invested in the government funding or want to know more about that because you know that… if you’re a taxpayer, it’s your money that’s helping that.

Female, 45-54, Middlesbrough