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Heterodox Out Loud

How Trump’s Policy Shift is Reshaping Scientific Research with Ivan Oransky | Ep 31

Mar 4, 2025
Ivan Oransky, co-founder of Retraction Watch and a distinguished journalist at NYU, dives into how Trump’s executive orders are reshaping scientific research. He discusses the chilling effects on academic freedom, expressing concern over censorship and self-censorship among researchers. Oransky explores the historical context of government funding, tracing its impact on scientific priorities and independence. He warns of the growing influence of politics on inquiry and the potential consequences for the future of scientific discovery.
01:01:40

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's executive order limits language in scientific research, raising critical concerns about academic freedom and open inquiry.
  • The historical evolution of government funding has influenced research autonomy, highlighting the delicate balance between support and oversight.

Deep dives

Impact of Executive Orders on Scientific Inquiry

An executive order recently issued by the government has raised concerns about its implications for scientific research and inquiry. Many researchers feel that this order constitutes an attack on scientific inquiry by limiting the language that can be used in research papers, specifically related to gender identity. This environment of anxiety and uncertainty has prompted researchers to preemptively withdraw or modify their manuscripts to avoid conflicts with the new guidelines. As a result, this anticipatory behavior may stifle genuine inquiry and ultimately drive talented scientists away from the field.

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