NOTE: This article is part of our Independent Science discussion of the forum. Please click here for details


Independent Science



By Andreea Radulescu
andreea@iHUB.org


The role of science in the society is to ask questions, to facilitate free and open access to information, to provide facts and evidence that can guide and shape policy, and to contribute to the betterment of society through technological improvements. Scientific discoveries and innovations play a critical role in increasing living standards, ensuring security and improving families' health and well being. From the development of new medications to technologies that make our environment cleaner and our lives safer, the application of scientific information is essential in guiding public policy decisions.

By definition “independent” stands for “not governed by a foreign power; self-governing and free from external control and constraint”. Unfortunately, nowadays science is highly misused by governments around the world. A concrete example is regarding the Bush administration who has been accused of applying so called political litmus tests to candidates for scientific advisory positions. Basically litmus tests are defined as tests in which a single factor is decisive, in this case politics being that factor.

On this note scientists formed a union against this misuse of science and signed a statement to stop this “abuse”. Their efforts seem to be successful in terms of raising public awareness. Every day, more and more scientists sign on to the scientists’ statement calling for Congress and the administration to establish legislation and regulations that would protect science from political tampering.

The Bush administration was accused by several scientists of hiding important information form the public as well as misusing scientific results. Couple of examples include:

Airborne Bacteria: A microbiologist was prohibited at least 11 times from publishing research on airborne bacteria originating from farm wastes.
Breast Cancer: Information suggesting a link between abortion and breast cancer was posted on a National Cancer Institute website despite objections from staff scientists.


All in all the question is how dependent really is science from the government.
There are many unanswered questions in regards to science and politics and since factual proof is hard to find – the government is skillful in hiding information and filtering it the “right way” - at this point everything comes down to scientists’ word against politicians’ word.


Trying to answer some questions regarding this topic, a lecture will be held at Trent University, sponsored by iHUB Organization. The guest speaker is Professor William Woof at Trent University. He has also taught several courses at York University. His field of interest is ethics and he has also taught this subject in the main undergraduate program as well as undergraduate BBA and MBA courses (business history and ethics courses) at the Schulich School of Business. If you are concerned or interested in questions such as:

How dependent is “independent” nowadays?

What exactly is the role of the government and what it should be in a society?

What are the political implications when it comes to science? How strong is the connection? Is this connection healthy? Is it justifiable?

What are the solutions to break this unhealthy bond?

Public opinion statistically shows approval against this connection. But what is being done? Are the voices being heard and by who are they heard? Will they ever be heard?

Who makes the final calls? Who can change their minds?

What role does the media play in this game of “seek and hide”?


The lecture was held on Tuesday November 8th, 2005 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm at L.E.C. Pit (Trent University).

We thank Professor Woof and everyone who participated for their time and valuable input!



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NOTE: This article is part of our Independent Science discussion of the forum. Please click here for details