Science must overcome its racist legacy

world politics Melissa Noblesenvironmental activist Elizabeth WattoteBiomedical Graduate, Director of Stem Projects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at UNCF, which funds scholarships for black students Chad Womack And the geneticist Ambroise Woncam Currently working with temper nature as guest editors.

They are invited for guidance in the creation of several special issues of the Journal devoted to racism in the sciences. The first version is expected to be released later this year.

Together, these four scholars share the signature June 8 opening – first of temper nature To be signed by the “guests”. “We are proud of them and look forward to working with them on these specific issues and beyond,” The editorial board writes.

science, sharing experience

From the start, guest editors remember that “Science is a human adventure driven by curiosity and a desire to better understand and shape the natural and physical world around us. Science is also a participatory experience, marked by the best that creativity and imagination can produce, and the worst that humankind’s transgressions can do.” Then they are quick to remember this:

“Apartheid, colonialism, forced labor, imperialism and slavery have left an indelible mark on science.”

Acknowledging, and then eliminating this sign, of the racism that has plagued society and from which science is not excluded, is what the authors advocate. This path will be difficult because it will require the consent of powerful institutions to be accountable to those with less influence. But they write that it will be useful and enrich the science. It is an indispensable path, because it aims at truth, justice and reconciliation, principles upon which all societies must be based.” And to add:

“As scientists, we know that scientific rigor and integrity require that past mistakes be taken into account and, if necessary, corrected.”