Center for Science and Democracy

Center for Science and Democracy. An initiative of the Union of Concerned Scientists, it was established to strengthen the role of evidence, transparency, and public participation in United States governance. Its core mission is to defend the integrity of science in policymaking and counter political interference, thereby supporting a robust democratic system. The center engages in research, public education, and advocacy to ensure scientific knowledge informs decisions on critical issues like public health, environmental protection, and national security.

History and mission

Launched in 2012, the center emerged from longstanding concerns within the scientific community about the erosion of science-based policy under various presidential administrations, including those of George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Its creation was a strategic response to documented cases of political manipulation, such as those highlighted in reports from the Government Accountability Office and investigations by Congress. The foundational mission is to protect scientists from censorship, promote transparent access to government data, and ensure federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration can operate free from undue corporate or political influence. This work is seen as essential for addressing complex challenges from climate change to pandemic preparedness.

Key initiatives and programs

Key initiatives include the Science Protection Project, which documents attacks on scientific integrity and mobilizes researchers to defend their work. The center runs the Public Trust in Science program, conducting surveys and publishing analyses on factors affecting the credibility of institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also hosts the annual Science, Democracy, and You webinar series, featuring experts from Harvard University and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Another major program focuses on legislative advocacy, tracking bills in the United States Congress that affect science funding for entities such as the National Science Foundation or research mandates at the National Institutes of Health.

Organizational structure and leadership

The center operates as a dedicated program within the larger Union of Concerned Scientists, which is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is led by a director, historically figures like Andrew A. Rosenberg, former deputy director of NOAA Fisheries, and later by staff scientists including Jacob Carter. Advisory boards comprise distinguished scientists, legal scholars from institutions like the Brennan Center for Justice, and former officials from the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Staff roles include analysts, policy experts, and communications specialists who collaborate with other UCS divisions like the Climate & Energy Program and the Food & Environment Program.

Impact and advocacy work

Its advocacy has influenced significant policy outcomes, such as strengthening the Scientific Integrity Act and pushing for reforms at the United States Department of the Interior. The center’s reports have been cited in hearings before the United States House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and in major media outlets like The New York Times. It played a notable role in opposing the dissolution of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and in campaigns to restore funding for the World Health Organization. By mobilizing thousands of scientists, including members of the American Geophysical Union, it has elevated the debate over issues like PFAS regulation and COVID-19 data transparency.

Partnerships and affiliations

The center collaborates extensively with a network of scientific societies, including the American Statistical Association and the Society for Conservation Biology. It is a founding member of the Scientific Integrity Coalition, which includes partners like the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund and the Government Accountability Project. Affiliations extend to academic institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley and non-profit allies like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sunlight Foundation. These partnerships are crucial for joint amicus briefs in lawsuits, co-hosted conferences like the Science of Science Communication seminar, and coordinated lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill.

Category:Science and technology in the United States Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States Category:Union of Concerned Scientists