Politicization of Science

When science and policymaking intersect, politics often plays a part. However, in recent years, the volume and number of alarms from scientists and policymakers who dare to speak up suggests a serious threat to the integrity of government decision-making and, by extension, the health, safety, and education of the American public. To address these concerns, OSI funding is designed to train and encourage scientists to speak up, as well as to expose political, religious, and corporate interference in policymaking.

OSI grantees' efforts have included the following:

drawing attention to the way politics rather than medical expertise kept the emergency contraceptive Plan B from initially gaining over-the-counter status and wide availability;
representing government and corporate scientists and engineers who chose to blow the whistle on efforts to falsify data, change recommendations, ignore alarming or inconvenient results, and silence professional dissent;
launching a scientific integrity project focused on climate, water, and security policy;
informing policymakers and the public about threats to the teaching of science and evolution by local school boards and state education boards around the country.

For Further Information

While OSI does not accept unsolicited proposals for grants concerning the politicization of science, there is one remaining cycle in 2007 in which we will consider letters of inquiry. Please refer to the Politicization of Science grant guidelines. OSI encourages prospective applicants to read about the work of current grantees and to consider collaborative opportunities.