An increasing number of US scientists are entering politics, particularly in the upcoming mid-term elections, driven by concerns over President Trump’s policies affecting research funding and the direction of government-backed science. Many scientists, especially Democrats, are motivated by the need to defend scientific integrity and funding, while some Republicans focus on energy demands and science-based solutions. The organization 314 Action supports Democratic scientists in their political pursuits, receiving a record number of applications this election cycle. This shift challenges the long-held belief that science should remain separate from politics. Candidates like Sam Wang and Jasmine Clark are using their scientific backgrounds to advocate for evidence-based policies and fairness in politics. This movement highlights the growing intersection of science and politics in the US.
QUESTION: How might the involvement of more scientists in politics influence future scientific research and policy-making?
‘Science needs defending’: record number of researchers run for office in US mid-terms
