UO's Richmond says science depends of the free flow of ideas

Scientists and researchers continue to express concern about potential changes in federal science policy, and UO professor Geri Richmond was among those commenting on the concerns at a recent meeting.

Topics of discussion ranged from potential restriction of the release of scientific information to the administration’s denial of climate change. Richmond, a professor of chemistry and Presidential Chair, said added restrictions on immigration could make it harder for scientists from different countries to work together.

“Science depends on openness, transparency, and the free flows of ideas and people,” she said in a plenary session. “Limitations of the ability of scientists to communicate with their peers and with the public through participation at meetings such as this one will harm the scientific enterprise.”

To read the full article, see “Under Trump, scientists could face more sweeping challenges than they did under George W. Bush” in the Washington Post.

Richmond is the recipient of a National Medal of Science and is Presidential Chair in Science at the UO. She also serves as chair of the board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She has won multiple national medals and prizes for her work.