Why We Stand Up for Science
Recent media coverage has spotlighted consumer skepticism of science. From this National Geographic article that explores “why so many reasonable people are skeptical of science” to a recent PEW study that shows a widening gap between scientists and the general public – there is a national dialogue about peoples’ perception and trust in science in the U.S.
As part of this conversation, consumers have questions about how scientific research is funded, the collaborative relationship between academia and the private sector, and the role of bias in research. To answer questions and address some of the topics raised, GMO Answers has posted several articles as part of our Stand up for Science Series. Following are links to the articles included in the series:
Stand up for Science? Stand up for Scientists
- Gretchen Goldman of the Union of Concerned Scientists explains why no scientist should face harassment and goes on to say explain that “science is an iterative process and researchers should be free to discuss, challenge, and develop ideas with a certain level of privacy.”
- If you would like to stand up for scientists, Cornell’s Alliance for Science offers supporters the opportunity to send a letter to “stand with public sector scientists” here.
Our Response to the US Right to Know Freedom of Information Act
- In this post, we address claims that the GMO industry has something to hide and why we believe the recent FOIA effort may have the effect of quieting the voices of some of the world's most talented experts on agricultural biotechnology by harassing and discouraging them from contributing to the dialogue.
- More on GMO Answers’ commitment to transparency, how our Q&A process works and why we believe the recent FOIA is intended to intimidate scientists who support the safety of GMOs is available here.
Academic Fundraising: What it is and why we need it
- In this Q&A, Dr. David Shaw, vice president for research and economic development, Mississippi State University, addresses why public universities source private funds and how conflicts of interest are addressed in research.
- More on GMO Answers’ take on corporate funding for public universities and academic research, including the important role of funding disclosure, is available here.
- In this post, we explore the collaborative relationship between the private sector and academia and how Public-Private Partnerships, or PPPs, foster scientific advancement in agriculture and other sectors such as education, healthcare, renewable energy and manufacturing.
- Land grant universities play a critical role in building resilient food systems for food security. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs explores the roles of land grant unviersities in this post.
Common Myths about Biotech Research – Busted!
- In this post, Amanda Zaluckyj of The Farmer's Daughter explores the myth that biotech companies block independent research.
- Another article posted to Biofortified.org from Marc Brazeau addresses the misconception that scientific consensus about GMO safety is based on industry-funded studies. Brazeau discusses how consensus on GMO safety is backed by independently funded scientific studies.
