untitled

ourselves partially responsible. Who else can,

or will, explain what we do, why it has value,

and what its possible uses and implications

may be?

There are three principles that define why

it makes sense for all practicing scientists to

devote some personal effort to educating the

public and our lawmakers about the science

that they conduct. These are the three R’s:

Responsibility, Reputation, and Reward.

Responsibility

We each have a responsibility to the scientific

community to help the public understand

what we do, and to help build and maintain

support for scientific research and education.

In addition, we have a responsibility to the

nonscientific public to explain why what we

do has value if we expect them to pay for it

either with tax dollars or charitable dona-

tions. Finally, we have a responsibility to

explain how the results of our research might

be used, particularly when controversial dis-

coveries are unleashed on a sometimes

unsuspecting public.

Reputation

Each of us, regardless of level of seniority, has

a special reputation as an active scientist

based on our experience and education.

Thus, we all carry an earned respect and the

benefit of the doubt on many science issues.

For example, many congressional offices

have never talked to a scientist and many

staffers and Members of Congress have never

met one. I continue, however, to be surprised

and gratified by the welcome and respect we

receive when we meet with these nonscien-

tists. In addition, each of us helps demon-

strate that we are not mad scientists or Dr.

Frankensteins, that we have children and

families, lives and pursuits not so dissimilar

from our neighbors, and that we approach

science with restraint and ethical understand-

ing. Finally, all of us have special expertise,

not only about our precise focus area, but also

about much of biology in general, which we

can use to inform and educate.

Reward

There are many individual rewards to

involvement in science policy and public

education. First, there is the satisfaction of

having a personal impact on our lawmakers’

opinions and votes. Second, there is the real-

ization that our special knowledge and view-

point can make a difference in society. For

example, if you write an op-ed, you will be

surprised at your neighbors’ responses. They

will appreciate it, you, and your profession.

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CHAPTER 3 • SCIENTIFIC CITIZENSHIP 145

Each of us, regardless of level of

seniority, has a special reputation

as an active scientist based on

our experience and education.

Each of us helps demonstrate

that we are not mad scientists

or Dr. Frankensteins, that we

have children and families, lives

and pursuits not so dissimilar

from our neighbors, and that we

approach science with restraint

and ethical understanding.

If you write an op-ed, you will

be surprised at your neighbors’

responses.