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What do the UK public think and feel about R&D?

To explore attitudes to R&D, CaSE has conducted in-depth public opinion research studies using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Summaries of our results

 

Read a summary of all our research

We have summarised the main findings from all our research exploring the public’s knowledge of R&D; views on its benefits, purpose and investment into R&D; attitudes on important topics like trust, terminology; and attitudes to specific or politically relevant subjects like global-facing R&D or economic growth.

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Find summaries of specific topics and subjects

A briefing series, drawn from across all CaSE public opinion research, summarises attitudes to different R&D actors and topics, along with significant attitudinal and regional differences.

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All research

CaSE Public Attitudes to Global-Facing R&D – June 2024

CaSE carried out a survey and four focus groups to explore attitudes towards major societal issues and how to tackle them, how UK-based R&D could be used as a tool for solving global issues, and how to convey the value of this type of R&D activity.

 

Results

Explore the results here

Global-Facing R&D – June 2024: Results
Methodology

Explore the methodology and approach to our 2024 public attitudes survey in detail

Global-Facing R&D – June 2024: Methods
Download the data

Download the results from our nationally-representative poll

Global-Facing R&D – June 2024: Download the data

People’s Vision for R&D 2024

To strengthen our extensive public opinion research and support work towards creating a society-centred vision for R&D, CaSE commissioned a deeper exploration of the public’s views through a public dialogue focused on society’s stake in R&D. This was delivered by the National Centre for Social Research and the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement.

CaSE Public Attitudes to R&D and the General Election 2024

CaSE carried out two public opinion polls over the course of 2024 to explore attitudes to R&D and politically salient issues, and support the R&D sector’s advocacy around the election, such as economic growth and how people would like their MP to act on issues related to R&D and their local area.

Results

Our first poll (March/April 2024) explored economic growth; people’s attitudes to R&D-related actions from their MPs; and trust. Our second (June 2024) explored aspirational R&D breakthroughs, priorities for R&D and attitudes to UK universities and international students and researchers.

General Election 2024: Results
Methodology

Explore the methodology and approach to our 2024 public attitudes survey in detail

General Election 2024: Read the methods
Download the data

Download the results from our nationally-representative polls or individual level data

General Election 2024: Download the data

CaSE Public Attitudes to R&D 2022-23

CaSE’s landmark study of public attitudes comprised five nationally-representative surveys of the UK public between May 2022 and October 2023, polling more than 20,000 people, and 14 focus groups held across the UK in May and December 2022. This study will form the baseline for further tracker polls.

Results

We found that R&D is seen as important but not urgent, and place and purpose are strong connection points

Public Attitudes to R&D 2022-23: Results
Methodology

Explore the methodology and approach to our 2022-23 public attitudes survey in detail

Public Attitudes to R&D 2022-23: Read the methods
Download the data

Download the results from the five nationally-representative polls or the individual level data

Public Attitudes to R&D 2022-23: Download the data

Explore all CaSE's Public Opinion work