Like journalists, scientists have generally shied away from taking public positions on matters of policy or issues outside the specifics of their own work. The growing politicization of science, potentially massive funding cuts, and the upcoming March for Science are challenging that concept of neutrality.
At what point should scientists speak out? Does public activism jeopardize their standing as impartial brokers of new knowledge? In a superheated political environment, does a pro-science position risk being seen as partisan?
Members and guests joined us on April 19 at Peddler Brewing for an informal conversation with scientists, science writers, and an organizer of Seattle’s March for Science.
- Miles Greb is a local writer and organizer of March for Science-Seattle.
- Jennifer Pang is director of the Science and Math Institute at Bellevue College. She holds a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Washington.
- Sarah Myhre is an ocean and climate scientist with expertise in the marine ecological consequences of abrupt climate warming. She works at the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography.
- Tera Levin is a cellular and molecular biologist and the Damon Runyon fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
The March for Science is on Saturday, April 22.