Past Event: Being a Voice for Science

We'll hear thoughts and advice from three physicists at different universities and different career stages: Andrew Leifer (Princeton University), Andrea Liu (University of Pennsylvania), and Sidney Nagel (University of Chicago).

Description: The success of science in America, and around the world, depends on the rights of scientists to think independently, on the trust of the public in the scientific endeavor, and on funding from the federal government. For decades, these pillars have supported the advancement of science, leading to fundamental discoveries that have improved countless lives. These pillars are now being eroded by attacks on academic freedom, undermining of scientific expertise, and punitive funding cuts. As a scientific community, what can we do to effectively advocate for science? We’ll hear from a panel of physics professors from different universities, and at different career stages, who have been thinking about this question*. There will be opportunities for discussion and questions from the audience.

*Leifer, Andrew M., Andrea J. Liu, and Sidney R. Nagel. "US researchers must stand up to protect freedoms, not just funding." Nature (2025).