Science Urges New Social Contract

Scientists and researchers are calling for a reinforced social contract of science, highlighting the need to address issues such as public trust, communication, and the importance of interdisciplinary research.

This involves recognizing the value of social sciences, public health, and humanities in addition to technology and engineering. Questions of public trust can be addressed only through better communication and research that meets society’s interests.

The global nature of challenges like pandemics, climate change, and conflicts demands a collective approach, as diseases don’t stop at borders. To effectively tackle these issues, the United States needs open borders and must properly fund studies in the social sciences, public health, and the humanities.

## Why it matters The rise of renewables and a defused population bomb are significant developments, and scientists can tackle the paradox of political polarization. Furthermore, plants are finding ways to survive and thrive in the climate crisis if we let them.

However, the scientific community also faces internal challenges, such as the issues faced by scientist-couples who start a family and struggle with conference travel. Additionally, the problem of review mills, where researchers write fake referee reports with coercive citation requests, is setting off a war in academic publishing.

## What happens next Scientists don’t need more trust, they need public allies. By working together and recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary research, scientists can create a new golden age for science and effectively address global challenges.