Where does science dwell? It breathes in labs, speaks in equations, and rarely steps outside academia. But that image is fast fading. A recent Pew Research Center survey, released in October 2025, shows that Americans are rethinking what it means to “work in science.” From farms to repair shops, they believe that scientific understanding plays a part in innumerable professions. No, it is not just limited to research and medicine.According to the Pew survey, 86% of US adults say biologists depend heavily on science, followed by 76% who say the same about engineers. No surprises there. But the findings take an intriguing turn: 58% of Americans believe farmers rely a lot on scientific knowledge to do their jobs, while 56% say electricians do, too. These findings present a picture where boundaries of science-related work is getting blurred.
The unseen scientists among us
Step onto a farm, and you will notice various scientific principles at work. Not exactly the way they do in labs, but by multiple other ways. Every soil test, crop rotation, or irrigation plan that undertakes principles of biology, chemistry, and data analysis. As the Pew data highlights, a majority of Americans now recognise this scientific dimension of agriculture, acknowledging how science highlights everything from pest control to climate adaptation.The same logic applies to electricians, often labelled as “middle-skill” workers. The survey findings suggest that more than half of the respondents rely heavily on scientific principles. Their work requires an understanding of physics, circuitry, and energy principles.Healthcare, too, remains firmly linked to scientific knowledge. About seven in ten Americans (69%) say that registered nurses and paramedics rely a lot on understanding science to perform their duties. The survey shows how these professions continue to embody the public’s most direct and trusted connection to scientific expertise.
Science is spilling over
Perhaps the most revealing part of the study lies in what Americans think about less conventional professions. While only 28% say auto mechanics rely heavily on science, a majority (55%) believe they depend on it at least “some of the time.” Even in coding and computing, 42% of adults recognize that programmers draw from scientific principles, especially through logic and mathematics.These patterns point to a growing appreciation for science as a skillset rather than a status symbol. As the Pew Research Center’s findings reveal, Americans are beginning to view science as something embedded in daily work. It is a quiet force driving innovation, safety, and problem-solving in every corner of the economy.
A broader vision for tomorrow
If the public’s perception is changing, education policy may need to catch up. The Pew study hints at a crucial insight: Science education should no longer be confined to laboratories or academic tracks. Instead, it must prepare students for practical applications, whether that’s wiring a circuit, developing a health protocol, or optimizing crop yields.If the public’s perception is altering, education policy may need to catch up. Science education can no longer be limited to laboratories and academic tasks. Instead, it must prepare students for practical applications, whether that is wiring a circuit, developing a health protocol, or optimising crop yields.
