Scientific Community Must Remain Confident, Credible, Aware Of Consequences In ‘Post-Fact’ Era

The Guardian: In a world ruled by rumor, it is vital that scientists speak with humility and clarity
Sue Desmond-Hellman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“…Science — and specifically the scientific method — is at risk in an era of fake news, anti-expert feeling, and science denialism. … We need to argue against this in a post-fact, post-truth era. Scientists must participate effectively in the public dialogue around facts and truth. And there are three aspects of the debate that I believe are crucial for the scientific community to address so that we remain relevant: consequences, confidence, and credibility. … It is imperative we get out of our bubble. Scientists who are engaged and participating in community and family life as a part of civil society will be more aware of consequences, more confident, and more credible. For the world to continue to experience progress, we must value the scientific method as the ultimate way to improve the human condition. As scientists, we owe it to ourselves to fight for the truth. More important, we owe it to people … who are counting on us” (6/23).

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