Conservative Scientists Support Government Funding of Stem Cell Research

ARLINGTON, VA April 2, 2004 -– Members of The Science Advisory Board were polled as to how their political affiliation influences their opinions on controversial scientific topics. Out of the 1,435 respondents, 63% define themselves as politically liberal. Of these participants, an overwhelming 84% are in favor of 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, Ph.D., MPH, 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 an 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.

For more information about The Science Advisory Board or this poll, please contact Dr. Tamara Zemlo at 703.778.3080 x25 or at t.zemlo@scienceboard.net.

About the Science Advisory Board
The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 18,600 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

Contact:
Dr. Tamara Zemlo
Director, Scientific & Medical Communications
The Science Advisory Board
2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22201
703.778.3080 x25 phone
t.zemlo@scienceboard.net
http://www.scienceboard.net




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