Diversity legitimizes science: Holding basic research in the physical sciences accountable to the public

TL;DR

This paper argues that embracing diversity and engaging the public are essential for maintaining the legitimacy and accountability of basic research in the physical sciences amidst political and social challenges.

Contribution

It advocates for integrating diversity, public engagement, and historical critique into scientific practice to strengthen its societal legitimacy and counteract anti-science sentiments.

Findings

Diversity enhances the legitimacy of scientific research.

Public engagement fosters accountability in science.

Historical analysis can improve scientific practices.

Abstract

The American scientific community is reeling from funding cuts and policy directives that will debilitate scientific research and education. The underlying hostilities fueling these attacks have intensified in recent years as the COVID-19 pandemic increased suspicion of scientific experts and the institutional embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in 2020 prompted a backlash along longstanding political fault lines. Under the banner of anti-elitism, opponents of science and DEI have formed a coalition that sees attacks on higher education as a strategic means to achieve their political ends. While some of their arguments contain legitimate criticisms, academics must resist these attacks that seek to dismantle higher education altogether. Instead, we should engage the public in our research process, build a scientific practice representative of and accountable to the communities we serve, and interrogate the aims of our work by critically studying the history of science.