As scientists. we are tasked with the advancement of humanity as a whole. If this task is in jeopardy, we cannot, should not, and may not stand idle by. No matter whether this is due to individuals, groups, governments, or even humanity as a whole in a suicidal fit.
This starts with things like #cumexfiles or #PanamaPapers - billions worth of the resources have been stolen from the public which means many millions worth of resources from science - science which, quite literally, saves lives and betters the live of everyone.
This goes on with excessive surveillance and restrictions on individual freedoms. Only if you are used to think and act freely, without fear of repercussions, in all things, you have the independence of thought and audacity to create truly new insights.
As well nationalism and isolationism are extremely damaging to science. Only by a large and diverse pool of experiences, views and free exchange truly new things thrive. It is not a coincidence that science surged with global connectivity and exchange during the last decades.
And, of course, the impending catastrophic #climatechange will destroy thousands of years of research, if it happens as it is currently bound to happen. Not that what would be left of humanity would have much need of it anyways. So this needs to be taken serious and stopped.
Thus, scientists need to stand up, and not only deliver their research results. They - we - need speak truth to power, and tell every human what we found out, and how it can be used to help as many people as much as possible. Who else but we knows this best?
That are serious lessons I took away from all the memorial celebrations this last weekend. As well as what I learned about how scientists behaved during these times, and what they did, and more importantly did not, do in time of crisis.
