Standing up Against Attacks on Science to Support the Future of STEM
Ways to support early career researchers impacted by the Trump administration
Words cannot express the heartbreak I've felt seeing so many friends and colleagues impacted by the Trump administration's actions on science funding and careers over the past week and beyond.
When people that you know and are close to you, and who are experts in their fields doing great work and they are let go, this is personal. If anyone I haven't already talked to needs help, please reach out.
I am also worried about the future of research in this country and young people who rightfully so now wonder if there will be a future for them in STEM. I want to encourage you to stay in the fight because we need you.
While writing this post, I was reminded of the remarks I gave at the Sigma Xi conference encouraging trainees to not give up on having a career in research (recording). As a scientist myself, I believe we need to encourage the next generation.
I have often written and published on ways to support trainees in science fields in this country, including based on recommendations from them. But today, I feel defeated on what can be done to ensure a bright STEM future for them.
I have dedicated my whole career to supporting the future of research in this country. But this week has really tested my dedication to this cause as I struggled to do useful work. Not business as usual- also clear from the latest AAAS conference.
On the flip side, and if I can offer any positives, perhaps for the first time ever I find myself in a position to do something substantial for U.S. scientists and their future in STEM as a Congressional Fellow.
I greatly appreciate the commitment of colleagues who have stepped up and shown unwavering support to ensuring that science continues to be top of mind and that our researchers are supported in ways that we can from Congress.
With the current attacks on science, this has been likely one of the hardest weeks I’ve ever experienced but also one in which I’ve been utmost grateful to be in Congress and try to do something good as a public servant.
Much gratitude to those who have engaged with our efforts on the Hill, and those working to support the future of science in this country from their current positions and whose efforts may be less visible.
This includes scientists, admin staff, program officers, and others working to continue research experiments and drive scientific progress for trainees, and professionals training graduate students and postdocs in STEM careers.
Thanks to everyone fighting the good fight for our researchers in this country in universities, national labs, non-profits, federal agencies and other sectors of the scientific ecosystem. We all need to come together now.
I will do everything I can to continue this work and I am grateful to have the platform for that. Because ultimately science is about people, and we should keep front and center the STEM workforce that we are working to support.
For those wanting to contribute, a group of trainees are organizing a rally to defend science as a public good and central pillar of social progress. These events can get voices out there more for those who are impacted and are able to speak out.
I am grateful to be part of the scientific community, to stand by those who need it and do what I can, and hopeful this will raise awareness on the importance of science for our nation’s competitiveness and leadership in STEM fields.