In the Authoritarians' New War on Ideas, Biology Might Be Next
The debate over the teaching of history in schools portends a future war on ideas that includes the natural sciences.
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Universities Not in Favour of Dual-use Research
Universities and academic institutions have largely rejected a European Commission proposal to allow dual use research projects in FP10, the successor programme to Horizon Europe due to start in 2028. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Brussels and national capitals worry whether the EU could defend itself if directly attacked by Moscow, and want to step up defence R&D in response.
Despite Strong Interest in Physics, Some Universities Are Shuttering Departments
With yet another term in sight for Venezuela’s Maduro, scientists hold little hope for their future
Repression Grows in Russian Universities
Civil rights activists report that any criticism of the war in Ukraine is being stifled. Militarisation and ideological indoctrination are also increasing.
Neutrality’s Effects On Academic Freedom
The idea that universities in the United States—and especially their presidents—should be politically neutral was taking hold long before their recent struggles in responding to the Israel–Hamas war.
In a first, botanists vote to remove offensive plant names from hundreds of species
Partisan Politics and Perceptions of Immorality
Democrats and Republicans overestimate the percentage of people in the opposing party who approve of widely agreed-upon moral wrongs, such as theft or animal abuse, according to a study. According to the authors, correcting the basic morality bias is an effective approach to combat political dehumanization.
What Are the Three Main Political Parties Promising on Science at the UK Election?
'It Can Feel Like There's No Way Out' - Political Scientists Face Pushback on Their Work
Far-right Gains in European Elections: What They Mean for Climate Goals
Far-right Gains in European Elections: What They Mean for Climate Goals
A shift to the political right in Europe could make it harder to bring in more ambitious green policies, but key net-zero commitments should remain.
A Scientist For President
If elected, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo would bring an extensive background in science and engineering to Mexico’s presidency. But many researchers are anxious about how she would govern.
New Dutch Right-Wing Coalition to Cut Research, Innovation, and Environmental Protections
New Dutch Right-Wing Coalition to Cut Research, Innovation, and Environmental Protections
Four parties hammer out agreement filled with bad news for scientists
Liberals and conservatives differ on climate change beliefs, but are relatively united in taking action
Liberals and conservatives differ on climate change beliefs, but are relatively united in taking action
The division between liberals and conservatives on both climate-change beliefs and related policy support is long-standing. However, the results of a newly released global experiment show that despite these differences, the two camps actually align when it comes to taking certain actions to combat climate change.
Revealed: the Ten Research Papers That Policy Documents Cite Most
Revealed: the Ten Research Papers That Policy Documents Cite Most
An exclusive analysis shows that economics and interdisciplinary teams get the attention of policymakers.
Canada Tightens Security for University Research, Affecting Ties to China
Canada Tightens Security for University Research, Affecting Ties to China
With geopolitical tensions mounting, the Canadian government announced a new security system for university research that aims to prevent tech secrets leaking to key Chinese, Russian or Iranian research institutions.
Federal Council Regulates Crisis-Related Activation of Scientific Expertise
Federal Council Regulates Crisis-Related Activation of Scientific Expertise
The Federal Council has adopted an implementation proposal regarding the creation of ad-hoc scientific advisory groups during crises. Switzerland’s ERI institutions are to jointly propose experts for the groups.
How the 'Right to Science' Can Help Us Overcome the Many Crises We Face Today
How the 'Right to Science' Can Help Us Overcome the Many Crises We Face Today
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights - proclaimed 75 years ago - describes science as fundamental to humanity. Upholding this right has never been more relevant than it is now.
Evidence-based Politics: WHO and the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
Evidence-based Politics: WHO and the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
The MoU has three key areas:
technical support to promote evidence-based laws and policies aligned to WHO normative guidance, advocacy to mobilize parliamentarians on awareness raising for sexual and reproductive health, with particular support to low- and middle-income countries, capacity building to strengthen the way WHO and parliamentarians work together.
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