Voters Rate Finding Cures to Diseases As Top National Issue Ahead of Terrorism, Illegal Immigration

Voters rate the importance of finding cures to diseases as a top national issue, ahead of the war on terrorism and dealing with illegal immigration, according to a one-of-a-kind public opinion research project conducted by two prominent national pollsters for BIO.

Presentation of Findings (PDF) Voter Survey Data (PDF) Industry Executive Survey Data (PDF) Follow-up Convention Attendee Survey Presentation of Results (PDF) Data (PDF)

The two surveys, which were conducted jointly by the nationally recognized Republican and Democratic strategy firms Public Opinion Strategies and Peter D. Hart Research Associates, compared the views of nationwide voters and senior-level biotechnology industry executives on a number of issues, including health care, the environment, alternative fuels and stem cell research. The results were released during the 2007 BIO International Convention.

Both groups of respondents said they were optimistic that cures to major diseases will be found within the next 10-15 years. According to the survey results, industry leaders and voters share high levels of optimism about the potential for finding cures for serious diseases and, have similar perspectives on the likelihood and importance of finding cures, developing clean technologies to reduce pollution, and creating “green drug factories.”

“This survey demonstrates that voters and the biotechnology industry share a similar optimistic vision of the future – a vision of a world with cures and treatments for the most devastating diseases, a green, renewable supply of alternative fuels and a cleaner environment,” said Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of BIO, the producer of the International Convention. “Clearly, there is still a lot for all of us to learn, but I am heartened by the enormous public support for the current direction of the biotechnology industry. The results of this poll show strong public support for our industry and provide a helpful context as we work throughout the year to ensure a positive policy environment and a familiarity among the general public that allows us to continue to move toward our vision of a better future.”

This research project, consistent with the theme of this year's BIO International Convention, "New Ideas. Bold Ventures. Global Benefits," encompassed the results of two separate surveys. A national telephone survey of 800 registered voters was conducted April 17 to 19, 2007, and a national Internet survey of 252 biotechnology industry leaders was conducted April 11 to 24, 2007.

• Presentation of Findings (PDF)
• Voter Survey Data (PDF)
• Industry Executive Survey Data (PDF)

Follow-up Convention Attendee Survey

• Presentation of Results (PDF)
• Data (PDF)