A System Under Strain

Reports are mounting of a scientific community facing unprecedented pressure. Virginia Gewin, writing in Nature, details how the dismantling of federal agencies threatens the integrity of scientific research. Insiders warn how dismantling federal agencies could put science at risk. A former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official warned that the damage extends far beyond a single agency, stating, “Science is being destroyed across many agencies.” The chilling revelation that government agencies are now actively disseminating misinformation further erodes public trust and undermines the scientific process.

The consequences are already being felt. Researchers are advising students to seek careers outside of science, fearing a future with limited opportunities and dwindling support. This brain drain isn’t confined to domestic institutions. Katrina Northrop and Rudy Lu of The Washington Post report on a significant exodus of scholars, particularly those of Chinese descent, to China, drawn by Beijing’s aggressive investment in scientific advancement. Over the past decade, approximately 50 tenured scholars have made this move, primarily in STEM fields.

Jimmy Goodrich, an expert on Chinese science and technology at the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, highlights a critical shift in national priorities: “The U.S. is increasingly skeptical of science – whether it’s climate, health or other areas,” while “in China, science is being embraced as a key solution to move the country forward into the future.” The financial disparity is shrinking rapidly; just four years ago, the U.S. outspent China in research and development by a factor of four. Now, spending is essentially even.

This trend reflects a broader philosophical divergence. As Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, argues, China operates as an “engineering state,” prioritizing technological progress and infrastructure development, while the U.S. remains a “lawyerly society” focused on protecting existing wealth through regulation. Could a government prioritizing scientific solutions offer a more effective path forward?

The Rise of the Scientist-Politician

Increasingly, scientists are answering that question by entering the political arena. Katherine J. Wu of The Atlantic details the growing movement of scientists running for public office, spearheaded by organizations like 314 Action. This group focuses on recruiting, training, and electing Democrats with scientific backgrounds.

314 Action has seen a surge in interest, receiving 700 applications from scientists seeking candidacy this year – seven times the usual number. Currently, only 3% of state legislators have backgrounds in science, engineering, or healthcare, and a majority of those are Republicans. 314 Action aims to change this imbalance, believing that candidates who emphasize their scientific credentials are more likely to succeed. The organization boasts a track record of success, having raised $8.6 million and helped elect over 400 endorsed candidates, including four U.S. Senators and 13 members of the U.S. House.

Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green, a physician, is partnering with 314 Action on a $25 million campaign to elect 100 more Democratic physicians by 2030. As pediatrician Annie Andrews succinctly puts it, “Politics came for us. You can’t fight bad politics by staying apolitical.”

Beyond the Ballot Box: Activism and Advocacy

Running for office isn’t the only avenue for scientists to engage in advocacy. Organizations like Stand Up for Science are employing more direct forms of activism, including protests and public campaigns. Founded in response to actions taken during the previous administration, SUFS is dedicated to defending the scientific ecosystem. Their current efforts include a playful yet pointed campaign, “Impeach the Quack,” targeting Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. with symbolic toy ducks.

Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, recognized the need for a more politically engaged scientific community early on. She observed that many legacy organizations were slow to adapt, failing to effectively communicate with the public. She created SUFS to fill that void.

Both 314 Action and Stand Up for Science represent a vital shift in how scientists are responding to the challenges facing their profession. What role should scientific expertise play in shaping public policy, and how can we ensure that evidence-based decision-making becomes the norm?

The future of American science, and indeed, the nation’s ability to address critical global challenges, may depend on the answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the State of U.S. Science