The erosion of democratic norms and the freedom of scientific inquiry in the United States, particularly under the policies of former President Donald Trump, are generating deep concern within the global scientific community, according to prominent German science journalist Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim. Speaking to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Nguyen-Kim emphasized the fragility of structures once considered bedrock principles of Western society, highlighting the potential long-term damage inflicted on the international pursuit of knowledge.
The United States, historically a leading hub for scientific innovation and research, has witnessed a concerning assault on its research landscape. Nguyen-Kim cited her own decision to recently cancel a planned lecture at Harvard University, driven by anxieties surrounding potential repercussions, as a stark indicator of the current climate.
Beyond the immediate impact on US-based research, Nguyen-Kim warned of a broader, global consequence. Recognizing the inherently collaborative nature of scientific advancement – predicated on the unfettered sharing of data and findings – she argued that restrictions imposed in the US are effectively undermining research efforts worldwide. “The research is attacked globally because of the restrictions in the US” she stated, adding that the loss of even a few years’ worth of projects can prove irreversible.
Nguyen-Kim, also a member of the Max Planck Society’s Senate, observed a growing influx of researchers to European institutions, a trend she characterizes as a temporary boon for the continent. However, she stressed that this influx masks a profound underlying worry amongst European research organizations. “It’s a gain for Europe, but the research societies in Germany and Europe are incredibly concerned” she explained. The ultimate impact, she warned, will be a setback for the global scientific community.
Crucially, Nguyen-Kim voiced alarm about the implications for democratic values beyond the American context. She presented the current situation as a cautionary tale, asserting that the apparent dismantling of democratic principles in the US serves as a warning signal – a reminder that democracies are susceptible to instability and that such vulnerabilities could conceivably arise elsewhere. This, she argued, demands a renewed commitment to defending democratic values and safeguarding the freedom of scientific inquiry wherever it is threatened.