Fragile science

Abstract

Science currently faces major external and internal threats. External threats include persistent anti-science attacks, the post-pandemic politicization of public health, and chronic underfunding. Internal threats include a proliferation of low-quality studies, an epidemic of retractions, and questions regarding the reproducibility of important research findings. These threats occur just as humanity faces an unprecedented onslaught of existential challenges including climate change, a failing green revolution, pandemics, and severe environmental degradation of the planet, each of which will require scientific solutions. History shows that science is fragile and vulnerable to theocratic, ideological, and authoritarian forces. In this moment of crisis, it is important for all scientists to become foot soldiers in the defense of science.