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.