"The idea that science should shape public policy is under serious attack. The massive funding cuts requested this year by the administration of US President Donald Trump, affecting US universities and leading scientific and research institutions, is one drastic demonstration. But there have been straws in the wind for some time. Conspiracy theories spread by people opposed to vaccines and 5G mobile phone networks, and claims that the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are hoaxes, tell us that scientific evidence has lost its standing among parts of the public and some politicians. This trend threatens to derail the contributions science can make to improving people's lives."
"How to meet this challenge must be a priority for researchers and the institutions of science in 2026. Rebuilding support for evidence-based policymaking among voters and political decision makers will require researchers and universities to change their outlook and ethos. Academics must recognize that the importance of science is not self-evident, and that part of the blame for the erosion of trust in science lies with scientists themselves."
Science's role in shaping public policy faces serious challenges, including proposed funding cuts that threaten universities and research institutions. Conspiracy theories opposing vaccines and 5G, and claims that the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are hoaxes, have eroded scientific evidence's standing among parts of the public and some politicians. This erosion threatens to derail science's contributions to improving people's lives, illustrated by announced cuts to mRNA vaccine research funding. Rebuilding support for evidence-based policymaking requires researchers and universities to change their outlook and ethos, recognize that science's importance is not self-evident, and accept some responsibility for the loss of trust. Evidence-based policymaking is often misunderstood and limited by value conflicts.
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