The public increasingly expects scientists to be the voice of reason, the purveyors of truth in a world awash in misinformation. Yet, this newfound prominence comes with a heavy price: scientists are often subjected to public scrutiny, hostility, and even threats.

This is where institutions play a crucial role. They must act as a shield, safeguarding scientists from the onslaught of misinformation and personal attacks that can arise when they challenge established narratives or advocate for unpopular truths.

This support can manifest in various ways:

Robust communication strategies: Institutions need to empower scientists to effectively communicate their findings to the public while also providing them with training on navigating difficult conversations and handling media inquiries.
Strong legal and policy frameworks: Institutions should proactively protect scientists from harassment and defamation, ensuring that they can conduct their research and voice their opinions freely, without fear of reprisal.
Financial and logistical support: Providing adequate resources for research, publishing, and dissemination of findings allows scientists to focus on their work and not be burdened by financial pressures.

Without institutional backing, scientists face an uphill battle. Their ability to speak truth to power, to guide policy decisions, and to shape the future of our world will be diminished. We need institutions to stand by their scientists, not just in times of crisis, but consistently, as their unwavering allies in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

The very future of science, and indeed, our society, depends on it.