Editorial: The responsibility of scientists in the economic crisis
Science is extremely rewarding for its players. We undertake our careers pushed by curiosity and the need for understanding, and we have the possibility of being at the forefront of human knowledge in a specific area. We are revealing pieces of the unknown, we see our achievements become useful technology, our ideas made reality, that save lives, bridge the world. This year we have seen the first evidence of a particle that has never been measured before, thanks to the huge amount of data collected by LHC experiments, and this event has resonated around the world as an accomplishment for all humankind. And we have seen the first treatment of a cancer patient with carbon ions in Italy, something routinely done in Japan and Germany, and now an accomplishment of a small group of scientist in Pavia. Just two examples, as symbols of fundamental and of applied research, linked by technologies and even by people contributing to both projects.
We live in a society, which ensures the possibility of developing our science and obtaining results such as these, but the economic crisis is shaking the foundations of research infrastructures in Europe. This is even more obvious in those countries where the government’s do not realize that investing in research is part of the solution to the crisis. Agricultural societies have learned that austerity is necessary in lean years, but continue to invest in seed planting. Research is the seed for the future of our modern societies.
The scientific community is raising its voice to make this message heard by government leaders. Pleas, letters, statements are regularly addressed to stakeholders, through all traditional and modern communications media.
But our involvement should not be limited to actions designed to ensure resources for research. Our responsibility in self-evaluation, prioritizing research, and the pursuit of excellence must continue to be rigorous in these troubled times. We must search for funds, not only knowing that our actions will lead to a better society, but also absolutely convinced of the scientific foundation of our proposals. Having the awareness of the urgent needs of the society, we must engage in projects of the best quality, anchored to reality and well integrated in the international scientific panorama.
Science needs the freedom to continue to explore uncertain paths, where results are not guaranteed. There are programs specially devoted to this, like the “Ideas” program of the European Research Council [ERC] that has the task of supporting risky and high-impact research, and of promoting world-class scientific research in new, fast emerging fields.
Finally special mention must be made of the condition of young researchers condition in countries that are most affected by the crisis. We are witnessing the awkward reality of seeing well-prepared and trained young scientists leaving their countries to move to other places, not for scientific reasons, but to find career and research opportunities and never returning. The impoverishment due to this emigration will be difficult to recover. We should do all that we can to provide career opportunities for talented young people in each of our home institution, not only because they deserve them, but particularly because our countries cannot afford the luxury of losing one of their most precious richness.
Caterina Biscari
CELLS-ALBA Director, EPS Executive Committee Member
