Poll draws portrait of U.S- scientists1 views

Abstract

A rare portrait of U.S. research scientists and their views on scientific and societal issues, including political questions, is drawn in a survey released late last month by Sigma Xi, the scientific honor society, at its annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. Among the findings: • U.S. scientists disagree with the nation's science funding and management policies in such key areas as peer review, politically targeted research funding, and support for Big Science projects. • They find their scientific careers fulfilling, have high regard for science and its values, and recommend science as a career. • They mirror the U.S. public's social and political views. • Their postcareer and retirement issues are increasingly important. The survey grew out of Sigma Xi's effort this year to enhance public understanding of science and technology, and builds on its successful 1986 survey. Its aim was to collect information that would improve understanding of scientists by a public that often stereotypes the scientist as a re...