"Science" editorial: how to keep science moving forward

The April 24th issue of "Science" published an editorial written by Ralph J. Cicerone, Dean of the National Academy of Sciences-"How to Keep Science" (How to Keep Science). Moving), analyzed how scientists should make more efforts to guide the continuous development of science. The following is the main content of the editorial:

The recent enthusiasm for science in the United States is worth celebrating, but it is also a good opportunity to think: with this new excitement and support, what can scientists do? If the US Congress and the government continue to improve scientific research and education and rely on science in decision-making If so, scientists must make more efforts to show the role of science and how scientific research can contribute to the country.

President Obama has affirmed the value of science and made promises. He appointed a number of top scientists to serve as important government posts. Through an executive order, he has overturned the ban on stem cell research and asked the Office of Science and Technology Policy to come up with a plan to ensure that science policy will not be distorted for political or ideological purposes. In addition, the federal economic stimulus package also provides a huge amount of funding for scientific research. When I testified at a House Appropriation hearing recently, I witnessed a lot of goodwill towards science, scientists, and science educators.

However, Congress also needs continuous and strong contact with science and scientists. Although members of Congress support science, they also have to deal with a host of other issues such as budget deficits and rising unemployment. Scientists must do more to prove the value of investing in science. The primary obligation is of course to conduct good research under the ethical standards of openness and integrity. In order to motivate the public and their representatives, scientists must communicate with them more, through the scientific community as well as individual-individual approaches should be adopted.

These operations are much more effective in local operations than in Washington. Former congressman John Porter, who has done a lot of work to get more funds for the National Institutes of Health, once told me that few of his congressional colleagues have much time for science, but after visiting their local science laboratory , They all became scientific fanatics. Scientists should use the influence of deans, principals, ministers, alumni, and press officers to help them communicate with local community and business leaders and members of Congress. They should find opportunities to invite the public into the laboratory, introduce their students, and answer some questions, such as, what is the significance of your results to the public? How does your research make up for the work of others? How do you create a good research experience for students ?and many more. Without close contact, these positive effects of scientific research may not be visible.

The revitalized research community must also ensure the interest of new science students so that American science can maintain its leadership in certain fields and become a strong and reliable partner in many key international research projects. This means more in-depth improvement of science education at all levels, including cooperation with pre-university students and their teachers, so that more students will be exposed to real science and scientists. Such interaction can enhance young people's professional aspirations.

Only when scientists perform their duties can the public provide extensive and in-depth support, which is extremely necessary for the prosperity of science and public participation in science. Scientists have many beautiful stories to tell, and many big figures want to hear them, so take action and tell them well.