At a time when the lack of confidence that permeates everything, wonder, and a lot, the Spanish attitudes towards one of the sectors that are the most suffering from budget cuts, -who see their future threaten-science and scientists. This is indicated by the second part of the International study of scientific culture, prepared by the BBVA Foundation, which shows the overwhelming support of the Spanish –at least verbally-, to Sciences, seen as an engine of progress and a source of welfare.

The research, carried out in ten European countries and the United States through surveys of 1.500 people in each country, reveals the consensus of the citizens in that sciences contributes not only to improve health, culture, to understand in a comprehensive way what happens in the world or eliminate superstition, but it augurs a world free of certain diseases, with a technology taking care of the environment and a healthy newborn.
This positive view is even more pronounced in Spain: 73% of the Spanish believed that in 25 years, Science will cure most cancers, compared with 70% of Americans and Europeans. In addition, 96% of Spanish people feel that Science will make possible the elimination of genetic factors responsible for serious diseases before birth, compared with the 60% of Americans. The 62.7% are convinced that renewable energy will replace oil completely, compared with 57.5% of Europeans. They are also more positive than the rest of the European people interviewed (Polish, Czech, German, Austrian, Danish, Dutch, French, Italian and British) on the effects of solar energy, computers, Internet and mobile phones in the next 25 years.

Over 80% of the Spanish think that these technologies will significantly improve our lives compared to 70% of Europeans.
According to the BBVA Foundation director, Rafael Pardo, these high expectations are understood because of the change lived in Spain in the recent years, “most of the overnight” with progress “extremely positive” thanks to Science.

Of course, they keep some reservations about the research related to genetic engineering and modification of nature that cause suspicion and caution of respondents, regardless of their nationalities. Are these precautions related to religious beliefs? Response, at least in the case of Spanish, is not too much related. In fact, 80% of these (72% of Europeans) believe that religion should no put limits on scientific advances. Yes, however, ethics, according to the 54% of Europeans and the 49% of Americans, should do.

The roots of religion in American culture is reflected in the scientific explanation of the origin of human beings in Europe while almost 64% argues that humans are evolved from animal species in the U.S. 61% claimed to be God’s creation. The study reflects the opinion of leading scientific inventions: the washing machine, anesthesia, bicycles and electric power.