I think an approach centered on values and what’s possible in the future is incredibly important. As a trainee, I’ve been frustrated by advice that surrounds following the same instructions for relative success in our old reality that is currently being dismantled. Not all will be lost but any type of forward looking plan that is entirely aligned with the old one feels like a bad playbook!
"Everyone in the scientific enterprise (not just researchers) should be valued."
It takes an ecosystem to make science work: research assistants, peer reviewers, clinicians who apply the findings, teachers who translate them, and even critics who keep us honest. I actually just wrote something along these lines in Nature, about the need to broaden how we define value in science — not just by who publishes the most, but by who helps the whole system function with integrity and perspective. See below:
This also connects to your first point about vetting the scientific record. We need to recognize the value of watchdogs and auditors — those willing to look beyond peer review and flag unfounded assumptions, flawed methods, or even fabrication before those problems spread unchecked.
Right now, tenure and promotion in academia tend to reward the production of original findings above all else. But if we want a healthier scientific ecosystem, we need to do a better job recognizing the value of these other roles — the ones that ensure quality, integrity, and real-world impact.
A thoughtful analysis, as always, Holden. My three thoughts:
1. I don't get your point, "The public can understand science if they want to." I view it differently -- since we are spending public funds, it's up to us in the science and technology policy community to provide information on how what we do benefits them.
In this context, it's not about the "science," it's about the "social impact." The challenge is that we focus too much on "science education" and "public understanding of science" -- important as well, of course, but not as relevant for our relationship with society as a whole. This perspective was captured most recently by an analysis conducted by the Partnership for Public Service.
Too often, I see scientists placing the burden on the public (as in the NAS members' letter) or others to fight for us when the burden should be on us to prove we are worth the investment.
2. You focus only on universities here, but I think the scientific and engineering disciplinary societies and associations should play a role. Some do, some don't. I'd like to see more following the lead of organizations like the American Public Health Association and the American Geophysical Union.
3. On "Trainees should be prioritized over the powerful." I agree, but the key is how to act on it. IMHO, I think all senior faculty members (70 years and older) should step down so there is more faculty/research positions, research funding, lab space, and graduate students/postdoc access for the next generation.
If these senior researchers truly care about the future, they should consider stepping aside. They can still make contributions, of course, but without this drain on resources. Realistically, those at this senior level are probably paid twice as much as someone at the junior level, so we could make better use of the limited resources we have to benefit society rather than the powerful.
1. Is too cryptic. I agree with you. In the talk I go through how too many of us assume that people can’t understand all of our brilliant equations and ideas. I’ll put a note in there.
Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. I think the scientific community needs to make a greater effort in explaining why scientific research is important. This may be challenging since the current US educational system appears to be doing a poor job with basic science education. The community also needs to address the needs of scientists who are in the early stages of their career. The US cannot afford to see these people wither away.
I think an approach centered on values and what’s possible in the future is incredibly important. As a trainee, I’ve been frustrated by advice that surrounds following the same instructions for relative success in our old reality that is currently being dismantled. Not all will be lost but any type of forward looking plan that is entirely aligned with the old one feels like a bad playbook!
Great read. For me what stood out is this quote:
"Everyone in the scientific enterprise (not just researchers) should be valued."
It takes an ecosystem to make science work: research assistants, peer reviewers, clinicians who apply the findings, teachers who translate them, and even critics who keep us honest. I actually just wrote something along these lines in Nature, about the need to broaden how we define value in science — not just by who publishes the most, but by who helps the whole system function with integrity and perspective. See below:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02258-7
This also connects to your first point about vetting the scientific record. We need to recognize the value of watchdogs and auditors — those willing to look beyond peer review and flag unfounded assumptions, flawed methods, or even fabrication before those problems spread unchecked.
Right now, tenure and promotion in academia tend to reward the production of original findings above all else. But if we want a healthier scientific ecosystem, we need to do a better job recognizing the value of these other roles — the ones that ensure quality, integrity, and real-world impact.
A thoughtful analysis, as always, Holden. My three thoughts:
1. I don't get your point, "The public can understand science if they want to." I view it differently -- since we are spending public funds, it's up to us in the science and technology policy community to provide information on how what we do benefits them.
In this context, it's not about the "science," it's about the "social impact." The challenge is that we focus too much on "science education" and "public understanding of science" -- important as well, of course, but not as relevant for our relationship with society as a whole. This perspective was captured most recently by an analysis conducted by the Partnership for Public Service.
Too often, I see scientists placing the burden on the public (as in the NAS members' letter) or others to fight for us when the burden should be on us to prove we are worth the investment.
2. You focus only on universities here, but I think the scientific and engineering disciplinary societies and associations should play a role. Some do, some don't. I'd like to see more following the lead of organizations like the American Public Health Association and the American Geophysical Union.
3. On "Trainees should be prioritized over the powerful." I agree, but the key is how to act on it. IMHO, I think all senior faculty members (70 years and older) should step down so there is more faculty/research positions, research funding, lab space, and graduate students/postdoc access for the next generation.
If these senior researchers truly care about the future, they should consider stepping aside. They can still make contributions, of course, but without this drain on resources. Realistically, those at this senior level are probably paid twice as much as someone at the junior level, so we could make better use of the limited resources we have to benefit society rather than the powerful.
Thoughts?
1. Is too cryptic. I agree with you. In the talk I go through how too many of us assume that people can’t understand all of our brilliant equations and ideas. I’ll put a note in there.
Thanks for listening.
Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts on this important issue. I think the scientific community needs to make a greater effort in explaining why scientific research is important. This may be challenging since the current US educational system appears to be doing a poor job with basic science education. The community also needs to address the needs of scientists who are in the early stages of their career. The US cannot afford to see these people wither away.