Poll of American scientists shows that even the conservative minority support US government funding of human embryonic stem cell and human cloning research
Members of the Science Advisory Board were polled as to how their political affiliation influences their opinions on controversial scientific topics.
Out of the 1435 respondents, 63% define themselves as politically liberal.
Of these participants, an overwhelming 84% are in favour of US government support for human embryonic stem cell and human cloning research.
In contrast, 37% of respondents represent a conservative political stance.
Of these participants, 63% approve of government support for these two emerging scientific disciplines.
"While not as large a percentage as the liberals, the percentage of conservatives approving government funding for sensitive research is striking given the ideological differences between the two traditional political parties," observes Tamara Zemlo, director of the Science Advisory Board.
Because scientists have become savvier in their public affairs due to the concerted efforts of their professional societies, they have the potential to make government support of stem cell research and human cloning a US election issue for 2004.
The shared unity in the liberal and political viewpoints regarding this issue will make for more unified-and perhaps successful-lobbying efforts on behalf of scientists.
