Scientists As Advocates

Elie A. Shneour identifies the urgent need for scientists to become advocates in his commentary entitled "United States Science Under Siege" (The Scientist, Nov. 11, 1991, page 14). I agree, and further suggest that the science community adopt new standards for public responsibility based on the reality that the continued flow of public funds depends upon the flow of value back to the public. I propose that members of the science community dedicate one hour a week to communicating to the publi

Written byMary Woolley
| 2 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
2:00
Share

I propose that members of the science community dedicate one hour a week to communicating to the public. Suggestions for using this time include:

In short, scientists should themselves become the grass-roots movement. Poll after poll tells us that the public holds the scientific community in high regard. It is time for us to act, to put that good opinion to work in support of science. No one will do it for us!

MARY WOOLLEY
President
Research!America
Alexandria, Va.

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

Published In

Share
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo
Abstract background with red and blue laser lights

VANTAstar Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

BMG LABTECH