Public attitudes and perceptions about health-related research

Health-related research in the United States is funded by US citizens, either as taxpayers or as consumers. Public support is critical to the success of the research enterprise, and it is essential for stakeholders in research to pay attention to the public's views about the investment level in research and the nature of its conduct, as well as to understand the public's level of awareness and opinions about research to improve health. This article reviews key results from surveys concerning public attitudes and perceptions toward health-related research. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Americans rate research as a high national priority, and they strongly support greater investment by public and private funders.