Scientists push campaign for evidence-based decision making from government

published on September 16, 2013 in The Globe and Mail

Canadian science advocates say they are moving into a new phase in their campaign for evidence-based decision-making in government after a day of demonstrations across the country.

Organizers behind Monday’s “Stand Up for Science” protests say they plan to focus on drafting policies that reflect best practices on research integrity and funding priorities and will urge the country’s political leaders to adopt them.

Hundreds of participants gathered in 17 cities for rallies on Monday. In Toronto some donned lab coats while in Vancouver protesters were seen wearing gags adorned with the Conservative Party logo – a reference to the alleged muzzling of federal scientists by political overseers.

“We’re really pleased with the turnout,” said Katie Gibbs, a biologist and executive director of Evidence for Democracy, the Ottawa-based science advocacy group that co-ordinated the effort.

Dr. Gibbs and colleagues said they hoped the rallies would alert the public to scientists’ concerns that the federal government has shifted funding markedly toward commercially driven research at the expense of public-interest science.

In a brief statement, Greg Rickford, federal minister of state for science and technology did not acknowledge the protests but said, “Our government is committed to science, technology, innovation, and taking ideas to the marketplace. Canada is ranked number one among G7 countries for its higher education expenditures on research and development.”

Ivan Semeniuk
The Globe and Mail
Read More

View the full article >>

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

Search form

Scientists push campaign for evidence-based decision making from government

Search form