The federal government is “politicizing science funding” which “undermines public trust,” according to a group of STEM scholars.
Taxpayer-funded research grants are “increasingly” mandating that scientists explain how their studies will advance “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” the Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analysis paper explains.
Most of the authors are STEM professors, although philosopher and political scientist Robert George, a Princeton University professor, also co-wrote the paper. The lead author is Northwestern University engineering Professor Igor Efimov.
“These mandates undermine the academic freedom of researchers and the unbiased generation of knowledge needed for a well-functioning democracy,” the authors wrote.