Just 29% of the UK public have a personal interest in R&D

UK public support for R&D is ‘broad but shallow’, according to a new report by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE). The science advocacy group warns that public backing for science spending is fragile, with many people finding it difficult to connect R&D’s benefits to the issues that matter most in their lives.

The new report summarises the findings of a survey commissioned by CaSE that asked more than 8000 people about their views on scientific research. While more than 88% agreed that it is important for the government to invest in R&D, just 29% said that they feel a connection or personal interest in research.