Marching for science and the truth
Good science reveals the real story of the wonders of our world.
And as facts and ‘‘alternative facts’’ blur together in our public discussion, scientists need to learn to be better, clearer storytellers, a Palmerston North campaigner says.
Marchers in the city took to the streets on Saturday in one of six nationwide protests to show global scientific solidarity on an international day of pro-science campaigning. Around the world, more than 500 marches are organised.
Becca Leung delivered an impassioned speech to a crowd of about 230 people in The Square.
She called for scientists to fight ‘‘alternative-facts’’ by coming out from behind closed doors, laying down the jargon, and discussing science with ordinary people in a clear way.
Leung, a veterinarian and Massey University PHD student, said science has always been about following the evidence, keeping an open mind and honest discussion to find the truth.
This discussion often takes place behind closed doors, in labs, conferences and scientific journals, away from the general public.
That used to be OK, but the way society views science has changed and scientists need to learn to share.
Social media gives a voice to every opinion, no matter how closely or poorly it matches the real world.
‘‘This is causing confusion and mistrust in science. What we can no longer afford is science to remain behind closed doors.
‘‘It’s easy to write that person off as just an unhinged extremist, but that person very well might become president one day. And if we happen to run across someone [championing] untruths, or untested hypotheses, then we can no longer just ignore them, because there will be other people paying attention.’’
Palmerston North march organiser Erin Wilson said she was ‘‘jumping for joy’’ at the turnout.