Op-Ed: Why we need scientists to run for public office now

Enlarge (credit: BRICK 101)

Conventional wisdom says scientists should stay out of politics. Unfortunately, politics can’t seem to stay out of science. It’s becoming increasingly clear that we need more scientists to run for—and win—elected office. Thankfully, more and more scientists seem to be stepping up to the plate.

The stakes are high. Elected officials aren’t just rejecting climate science. They’re investigating climate researchers whose findings they don’t like.

On evolution, the Texas school board is slated to go yet another round on whether or not biology teachers should be forced to undermine students’ understanding of evolution.