Divides over food science tied to personal concerns about eating, health
Divides in public opinion over food are encapsulated by how people assess the health effects of two kinds of food: organic and genetically modified foods.
Brian Kennedy is a senior researcher at the Pew Research Center, where he focuses on science and society research. He is an expert on public opinion on a number of science-related topics and frequently writes about public views on climate and energy issues and public trust in science. His work on climate, energy and environmental attitudes includes Majorities of Americans Prioritize Renewable Energy, Back Steps to Address Climate Change and Americans Divided Over Direction of Biden’s Climate Policies. And his publications on public trust in scientists include Americans Trust in Scientists, Positive Views of Science Continue to Decline and Americans Value U.S. Role as Scientific Leader, but 38% Say Country Is Losing Ground Globally.
Kennedy frequently discusses research on public opinion on climate, energy and environmental issues and public trust in science with the media and presents research on these topics to outside groups.
Kennedy is also an expert in methodological topics, including scale development. He has developed survey questions and scales to measure science knowledge and awareness of artificial intelligence in daily activities.
He received his Ph.D. in political science at Michigan State University, where his work focused on cross-national attitudes about climate change. Kennedy received his bachelor’s degree at Davidson College.
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The New Food Fights: U.S. Public Divides Over Food Science
Differing views on benefits and risks of organic foods and GMOs as Americans report higher priority for healthy eating
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Clinton, Trump supporters deeply divided over use of fossil fuel energy sources
Supporters of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump disagree on whether to support or oppose expanding the production of a range of fossil fuel energy sources.
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Most Americans trust the military and scientists to act in the public’s interest
Three-quarters or more of Americans are confident in the military, medical scientists and scientists in general to act in the best interests of the public. But fewer than half report similar confidence in the news media, business leaders and elected officials.
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Clinton, Trump supporters worlds apart on views of climate change and its scientists
Differences between Clinton and Trump supporters mirror a deep divide between Democrats and Republicans in their views on climate change and climate scientists.
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Americans strongly favor expanding solar power to help address costs and environmental concerns
Almost nine-in-ten U.S. adults (89%) favor expanding use of solar power, while only 9% oppose it. Western homeowners are particularly likely to say they have already installed or are considering solar panels at home.
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Conservative Republicans especially skeptical of climate scientists’ research and understanding
Amid wide partisan divides over climate issues, conservative Republicans are especially skeptical of climate scientists’ understanding and research.
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