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Suppression of environmental health scientists: real-world examples as a basis for action

Authors :
Keren Agay-Shay
Colin L. Soskolne
Elihu D. Richter
Yoram Finkelstein
Jutta Lindert
Ruth A. Etzel
Source :
The Journal of Scientific Practice and Integrity (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Hamilton Publishing, Inc., 2023.

Abstract

Pressures on epidemiologists, toxicologists, and on public health scientists to suppress their work are known to occur worldwide. In this article, we share six stories from environmental health scientists about the pressures they faced in their jobs after bringing public health problems to light. The method used to document each of the stories was to invite scientists who attended meetings of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology to tell their own stories of having experienced research suppression. We then extracted the salient features of each experience into a coherent story, providing references as corroboration where possible. The specific purpose in going public with the six stories presented in this article is to open a conversation to better equip colleagues to stand up to pressures to suppress their work. By publicly sharing the pressures experienced by these scientists in attempts to suppress their scientific work, including intimidation, harassment, threats and/or bullying, other scientists may be better able to withstand such pressures. In the absence of a larger collection of stories, we are unable to identify common approaches taken against suppression. It appears that a focus on scientific excellence and tenacity are two major factors likely to have contributed to the ability to withstand pressure. We encourage others to tell their stories. Bringing examples of these instances to attention will make them familiar enough to be less intimidating should others experience anything similar. Additional documented experiences will expand the base of stories and thus help colleagues to withstand the pressures wielded by special interests. Shining a light on these pressures will remove barriers, not only to advancing the science, but also to protecting the public interest.

Subjects

Subjects :
Ethics
BJ1-1725
Science

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26895587
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
The Journal of Scientific Practice and Integrity
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.fd4b25d7a3ef42f29407c6a41b62f374
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.35122/001c.87737