What’s Wrong with Science—and How to Fix It

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

Whether or not there is an actual “war on science” under way, a million supporters of evidence-based thinking felt threatened enough to show up to the global 2017 March for Science. President Donald Trump has called global warming a “hoax,” and his administration has canceled, blocked and defunded scientific efforts to protect the environment and public health. Moreover, climate change denial is not restricted to the U.S., and dozens of countries have banned the cultivation of GMO crops, despite evidence that genetically modified foods are just as safe as traditionally bred varieties.

There are many ways to fight back, including improving education, outreach and political reform. But science must also tackle its own problems, from how we fund it to how we treat young scientists, ensure reproducible results, curb sexual harassment and encourage interdisciplinarity. Some creative solutions are already showing promise on these fronts, but science must fortify itself to withstand the current assault.

1. Science Funding Is Broken
by John P. A. Ioannidis

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

2. Science under Scrutiny: The Problem of Reproducibility
by Shannon Palus

3. Halting Sexual Harassment
by Clara Moskowitz

4. Young and Struggling in Science
by Rebecca Boyle

5. To Solve Real-World Problems, We Need Interdisciplinary Science
by Graham A. J. Worthy and Cherie L. Yestrebsky

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American