Scientists: Keep Science Free of Politics

A growing chorus of voices in the U.S. warns that science is becoming increasingly politicized, and support is growing a policy changes to prevent future government interference in scientific matters.

Complaints about such interference have grown ever louder under the current Bush administration. Scientists have accused administration officials of working to stifle research and public information about climate change, endangered species protection, pollution, reproductive issues and other subjects.

Just last week, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) organized a public appeal to Congress and the next U.S. president for an end to political meddling in science. The group's statement was signed by Nobel Prize winners and other leading scientists.

"Four years ago -- almost to the day -- UCS unveiled a statement signed by 62 leading scientists voicing concern over the manipulation, distortion, and suppression of federal government science," said Kurt Gottfried, co-founder of the UCS and emeritus professor of physics at Cornell University, "Since that time nearly 15,000 scientists have added their signatures. Now we are using that momentum to push for solutions."

Several scientists on hand for the press conference described their own experiences with political interference in their work.

"If the next administration and Congress wholly embrace and implement the scientists' recommendations, Americans would be safer," said Robin Ingle, who formerly worked as a mathematical statistician for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. "A political appointee at my agency prevented my research on all-terrain-vehicle safety from reaching the public, even when avoidable deaths and injuries occurred."

"Serious consequences can result when drug and device safety decisions are not based on the best available scientific advice from staff scientists and independent experts," said Susan Wood, former assistant commissioner for women's health at the Food and Drug Administration. "The next president and Congress must cultivate an environment where reliable scientific advice flows freely to allow for fully informed safety decisions."

One of the figures best known for speaking out against political interference in scientific matters is James Hansen, a climate researcher with NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Hansen revealed to The New York Times in January 2006 that administration officials tried to silence his public statements on the severity of climate change and the need for immediate action.

During last week's annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Hansen was presented with the organization's Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award. The award noted Hansen's "outspoken advocacy on behalf of scientists' responsibilities to communicate openly and honestly with the public on matters of importance to their health and welfare."

In choosing Hansen for the award, the selection committee commented, "in consistently fighting to keep his scientific opinions free from political influence and revision, Dr. Hansen has drawn attention to the broader issue of political interference in scientific communication, a process that he warns is 'in direct opposition to the most fundamental precepts of science.' "

Another group of scientists and science advocates say scientific integrity is among the key issues the future U.S. president needs to address. The group, Science Debate 2008, has invited the current presidential candidates to participate in a debate on science matters this April.

"Matters of science and technology underpin every important issue affecting the future of the United States," said John Rennie, editor-in-chief of Scientific American and a member of the Science Debate 2008 steering committee. "It's crucial for the nation's welfare that our next president be someone with an understanding of vital science, a willingness to listen to scientific counsel, and a capacity for solid, critical thinking. A debate would be the ideal opportunity for America and the candidates to explore our national priorities on these issues."