In this discussion, Anna Krylov, a Professor of Chemistry at USC known for her contributions in quantum chemistry and a champion of meritocracy, tackles the contentious influence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) on scientific progress. She shares concerns about how DEI mandates could undermine merit-based funding and public trust in science. The conversation dives into the implications of gender quotas, the rise of 'citation justice,' and the potential societal costs of prioritizing ideology over objective inquiry, questioning the future integrity of scientific research.
