Nobel laureates and scientists urge Trump to ‘respect science’

The scientists banded together on the platform of Union of Concerned Scientists USA (USCUSA) The letter is a show of mass solidarity in the face of Donald Trump’s choices for his cabinet and public statements over climate change and environmental issues. Andrew Rosenberg, director of UCUSA said: “We need to make sure there’s not political manipulation of the science,” reports The Washington Post. The list of signees include Nobel laureate Harold Varmus, former director of the National Institute of Health, The signees strongly urged the new US administration to pursue four key objectives: Create a strong and open culture for science Public safeguards like Clean Air Act based solely on scientific facts Adherence to high standards of scientific integrity and independence Provide sufficient funding to federal scientists for research purposes The letter goes on to state that political or any other external entities should not interfere in scientific studies. Freedom of speech and expression for scientists to reveal their findings is also emphasised in the letter.

2300-plus scientists have signed a letter to #Trump administration. Help us reach more. Invite a #scientist to join: https://t.co/gUtFQGm8o2

— angelabradbery (@citizenangela) November 30, 2016

The scientists demanded any technical or scientific information released from the government be accurate and not misleading. The whole letter can be read here.

Reasonable doubt

Scientists are concerned that the Republican trend to impede scientific progress will resurface. The Bush administration had placed severe restraints on scientific research which were overturned by Obama after his first election win. The concern of the scientists is not misplaced as Donald Trump has picked climate change deniers and people who often vilify scientists, to appoint to his cabinet. Kathleen White, picked by Trump to head the Environment Protection Agency had earlier said she does not believe in climate change, according to The Guardian. Kathleen had also said that scientists are philanderers who simply “brandish their scientific credentials.” Tom Coburn, potential appointee for White House Budget and Management Office, has a track record of attacking groups that provide funding and grants to scientists.