Science under threat: Head of the Nobel Committee warns that pressure on free research is increasing
Kyiv • UNN
The head of the Nobel Committee has expressed concern about the harassment of scientists and the reduction of science funding. This is happening against the background of political disputes and may threaten the freedom of research.
Hanna Stjarne, Head of the Nobel Committee, expressed concern over the increasing official repression of leading US research agencies and funding cuts amid political relations.
This is reported by UNN with reference to the Financial Times.
The American movement called "Stand Up for Science" is protesting against planned funding cuts and the concealment of some research in areas such as diversity, climate change and vaccines. However, for example, Trump chose Robert Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, as Minister of Health.
The Nobel Prizes have long been on the radar of the American president because he is frustrated that he did not receive the Peace Prize like his predecessor Barack Obama. Although the American president considers himself worthy of it.
In February, Trump said he deserved the award for his work on ending the war in Gaza, but added that he didn't think the awards committee would ever give it to him. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz separately predicted that his boss would win, including for his efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Reference
The Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology, Physics and Chemistry accounts for half of the awards each year, with the others awarded for economics, literature and peace. Candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize can only be people who meet certain criteria, such as membership in national governments or legislatures. The awards committee reported that it had received 338 nominations for this year's award by the deadline of January 31, although the names remain confidential.
Position of the Nobel Foundation
The annual Nobel Prizes should "uphold" scientific learning and free research in an age when both are under increasing threat
When asked if she fears a new transatlantic dispute if Trump does not take the award this time when it is announced by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in October, Stjarne replied:
There are so many people who want Nobel Prizes. If you look in my mailbox, you will find offers - many offers - every day
This year's broader Nobel Prizes are likely to be watched more closely than usual, as they may be seen as an addition to modern political trends.
The awards, founded by dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel, should embody "freedom of thought" and "the ability of scientists to work freely without restrictions
Earlier, UNN wrote that the Trump administration is considering cutting NASA's science budget by up to 50%. Such changes could lead to the cessation of important missions and the loss of US leadership in the space industry.
