{
  "id": 7586966,
  "title": "Examining Americans' complicated relationship with science",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/examining-americans-complicated-relationship-with-science",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-15T16:20:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-americans-complicated-relationship-science.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A new study reveals that despite most Americans' interest in science and belief in its societal value, their relationship with science remains complex. Researchers from North Carolina State University surveyed 1,854 individuals and found that 60% or more were enthusiastic about science, yet fewer than half trusted its credibility or felt a part of the scientific community. The study, published in PLOS One, also uncovered disparities among demographic groups, with women, non-college graduates, and Black Americans reporting weaker connections or attitudes toward science. This indicates ongoing challenges in making science accessible and inclusive.\n\nBrooklynn Joyner and Lincoln Larson, the study's lead authors, suggest that increasing public engagement with scientific research could help bridge these gaps. One such method is citizen science, where everyday people collaborate with scientists on research projects through data collection and analysis. About 14% of survey respondents had participated in multiple citizen science projects, and these individuals reported higher interest in science, increased confidence in their abilities, stronger feelings of belonging, and a greater appreciation for science's value.\n\nIn an interview, Joyner and Larson discussed the study's findings and their implications for America's relationship with science. They highlighted the importance of addressing skepticism and the perception that scientists might have hidden agendas or be influenced by external forces. They also emphasized the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity in science, particularly for historically marginalized groups who have been excluded from scientific pursuits.\n\nTo improve public access to science and foster a sense of belonging, Joyner and Larson advocate for the expansion of citizen science initiatives. They believe that by engaging people directly in scientific research that matters to them, citizen science can enhance transparency, make science more relatable, and demonstrate its benefits to society. By increasing awareness of citizen science opportunities and encouraging participation, particularly among traditionally excluded or marginalized groups, these researchers hope to strengthen the connection between the public and science.",
  "summary": "A new study finds that while most Americans are interested in science and believe it benefits society, the public's relationship with science is more complicated than those positive views suggest.",
  "key_points": [
    "60% or more Americans enthusiastic about science",
    "Fewer than half trust science's credibility",
    "Citizen science boosts interest and inclusivity"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}