Under proposed rule, science funding must pass political review
Summary
Science Friday host Ira Flatow interviews Holden Thorpe, editor-in-chief of the Science Family of Journals, about a proposed OMB rule that would insert political review into federal grant funding. Thorpe warns this shift undermines the 80-year tradition of peer review, risking scientific integrity and deterring young researchers. He urges public comments and congressional action to preserve the merit-based system against executive overreach.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: NYSCI, Con Edison, and Progressive
Introduction: Proposed OMB rule changes to federal grants
Historical context: Peer review vs. political control
Comparison to Soviet Lysenkoism and politicized science
Analysis of OMB rule text and 'whiplash' effect
Impact on young scientists and global talent
Pushback strategies: Public comments and Congress
Likelihood of implementation and resilience of scientists
Credits and Sponsor: Poster House exhibition
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