Thread by @Ayjchan

I want to impress that there is a lot to lose for scientists (esp virologists) to say they think Covid-19 could’ve emerged in connection to research activities.

All at once you’re dealing with your colleagues, institute, reviewers of papers & grants, & the Chinese government.

You’re literally acting against your self interest in every way possible except the interest of not having a future pandemic caused by a research-related accident.

I’ve spoken very highly of sleuths and data analysts who’ve worked on tracing the #OriginsOfCovid

But I also need to emphasize that the consequences for scientists are much worse. You could become a pariah overnight, accused of fanning the flames of conspiracy and AAPI hate.

I’m already getting some of it as I tweet.

And some well-intentioned people have reached out to me asking wth I’m doing, I have a future that I’m setting on fire.

When you ask why aren’t more scientists stepping up to call for a credible investigation into both natural and lab origin hypotheses of covid-19, you’re essentially asking why aren’t more scientists also whistleblowers.

It’s incredibly excruciating to be a whistleblower.

The range of emotions you have to hold on to for months or years, wondering if you’ve got it all wrong and you’re just dragging everyone through a great misunderstanding, exposing your colleagues to threats/danger, jeopardizing your and their careers and happiness.

You cannot ask even 0.01% of scientists to do this.

That’s why the search for the origin of Covid-19 has to involve many non-scientists.