FBR launches online public opinion poll library

Animal research polling shows more public education is necessary

WASHINGTON – The Foundation for Biomedical Research launched an online public opinion poll library in January with polling data from 2013 to present available at www.fbresearch.org/polls.

FBR regularly monitors public opinion and gauges public perceptions about animal research to optimize our public education campaigns and programs. Our latest poll findings, commissioned in March, April and October 2020, focused on public attitudes toward animal research in light of COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development. Findings reveal that support for animal models in biomedical research remains split, as it has been for the past 10 years, even when considering the race to find coronavirus treatments and cures.

Our 2020 polls indicate that support for animal research increases when an authoritative figure explains the importance of animal research to find disease cures and treatments, as was the case when National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci made a public statement about the importance of animal models to develop COVID-19 vaccines and treatments during a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing.

In April 2020, 60% of respondents said they support animal research when accounting for Fauci’s public statement. When asked the same question in October 2020, 64% of participants indicated support. Our 2020 poll findings point to the urgent need to educate the public and decision-makers about the essential role of animal models at various stages of the biomedical research pipeline.

Other noteworthy FBR poll findings from 2013 to present include:

Support and opposition for animal research among veterinarians are split down the middle (2019)
People support animal research that benefits animals (2016)
Men are more supportive of research with monkeys (2016)
Focusing on how animal research saves lives can help garner support and weaken opposition (2015)

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About the polls:
FBR commissioned three polls in 2020, which Echelon Insights conducted between March 20-24, April 18-21 and Oct. 16-22. The polls were part of Echelon Insights’ monthly Verified Voter Omnibus tracking surveys and had a sample size of approximately 1,000 national registered voters. For poll information and methodology prior to 2020, visit www.fbresearch.org/polls.

About FBR:
The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) is America’s most experienced, trusted and effective nonprofit dedicated to improving human and animal health by promoting public understanding and support for biomedical research. Together with the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), FBR illuminates the essential role animal testing and research plays in changing health outcomes and defeating illnesses affecting both people and animals. FBR was established in 1981 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Learn more by visiting www.fbresearch.org.

Visit our newsroom to read past news releases at www.fbresearch.org/news-press.