Abstract
In the last half of the 2010s, we saw an upswing in antiscience movements and unprecedented attacks on scientists in the United States and elsewhere. All indications suggest that this trend will not slow or reverse anytime soon, and it is now increasingly apparent that it will fall to the scientists themselves to respond, engage a skeptical public, and lead the defense of science. Accordingly, we must recognize opportunities to both reorganize science doctoral and postdoctoral training and incentivize senior scientists as a means to establish a new ecosystem for science public engagement. Such activities may become essential if the assaults on our profession continue or expand. Today, the commitment of young scientists to public service is at an all-time high. However, we must work quickly to capture that enthusiasm and channel it into a social good, lest we lose this opportunity. Potentially, open-access publishers could play a central role.
Highlights
One of the most prominent and visible antiscience movements is active in North America and Europe and focused on discrediting vaccines
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) both feature important discussions and workshops on the rise of antiscience, as it pertains to agencies of the US federal government, while the former hosts the important Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology
Combating antiscience movements and their organized activities will require a complex response and, likely, the involvement of major governments working in public–private partnerships
Summary
One of the most prominent and visible antiscience movements is active in North America and Europe and focused on discrediting vaccines. The public health community has been slow or halting in its response to the antivaccine movement. As a pediatrician scientist who develops vaccines for poverty-related neglected diseases, and as the parent of an adult daughter with autism, I felt uniquely positioned to both defend vaccines and counter the fake messaging coming from the antivaccine lobby.
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