Nature Podcast
REBROADCAST: Politics of the life scientific
Nov 2, 2024
Shobita Parthasarathy, a researcher in science and policy, and Mayana Zatz, a geneticist from São Paulo, delve into the intricate dance between politics and scientific research. They discuss how political decisions directly impact funding for research, revealing alarming threats to science in Brazil. The conversation also covers the chilling effects of policies like the Dickey Amendment on gun violence studies. Together, they highlight systemic inequities within the scientific community, stressing the importance of diverse perspectives in fostering objective inquiry.
24:42
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Quick takeaways
- Political influences critically shape the direction and funding of scientific research, often compelling scientists to alter their inquiries to secure grants.
- Systemic inequities in funding opportunities exacerbate discrimination against marginalized researchers, impacting representation and the integrity of research outcomes.
Deep dives
The Interplay of Science and Politics
Politics significantly influences scientific research, affecting funding priorities and the questions scientists can pursue. Researchers often find themselves navigating a landscape where political interests dictate the availability of grants and sponsorships, which can profoundly impact their work. In Brazil, for instance, a proposed bill seeking to reduce research funding from Sao Paulo State threatens to disrupt ongoing projects and discourage young scientists from continuing their research careers. This scenario illustrates how political decisions can harm the integrity of scientific inquiry and shape the future of research directly.
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