Scientists pull evolution study over fears of deportation and political fallout

[Demovictory9]

https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/scientists-pull-evolution-study-over-fears-1744308042.html

Scientists pull evolution study over fears of deportation and political fallout
Thu, April 10, 2025 - 22:10


Two US-based researchers withdrew their names from a scientific paper on evolution, fearing retaliation and even deportation under the current political climate, leading to the cancellation of the entire project, The Washington Post reports.


Just days before submitting a collaborative paper on the evolution of life and non-living systems, a European evolutionary biologist received an unexpected message from two American co-authors: they were backing out.

One had just lost a position due to a canceled federal grant; the other feared a similar outcome — or worse, such as losing residency status — if their name appeared on the paper.

While the Trump administration hasn’t directly targeted evolution research, the atmosphere of funding cuts and fear has deeply shaken the scientific community.

"[The paper] was months of work, but at the same time I know the current situation, and I’m scared for my friends in the US," said the European co-author, who remained anonymous.

"I told them, 'If you think it is too dangerous, don't do it.'" The paper, intended for a special issue of a Royal Society journal, was never submitted.

[Irish_Dem]

1. The death of American science.

The rest of the world feels sorry for US based scientists.

And our work can never be trusted. Are scientists just reporting the government's position or the truth.

[k_buddy762]

2. Attack free speech indirectly

if they can't attack it directly.

But they attack it directly, too.

[Solly Mack]

3. Facts being called an "ideology" that must be destroyed. Dangerous.

[Kid Berwyn]

4. Never thought I'd see the day when America feared the truth.

We wasted four years in which to lock up the traitor.