> When the real problem to address is that working conditions in science are, often, terrible and that our society punish people in many different ways for wanting to be scientists
Part of that problem was that the tenuous professional environment meant that very few scientists were willing to speak up when the science becomes politicized. With good reason, we saw the few that did get absolutely obliterated and their careers-ended - often going as far as then tarnishing them at a personal level.
As far as societal trust, scientists are not as bad as journalists yet, but they're going to get there[1]. The replication crisis was the backdrop of this, but the COVID pandemic made it very clear to anyone paying attention that the government dictates scientific consensus and any disagreement is squelched both by fellow scientists, and the prestige organizations in each field.
Now that this is being compounded with Woke-testing hires and publications, you've effectively ended the legitimacy of most publications, institutions, and papers.
Part of that problem was that the tenuous professional environment meant that very few scientists were willing to speak up when the science becomes politicized. With good reason, we saw the few that did get absolutely obliterated and their careers-ended - often going as far as then tarnishing them at a personal level.
As far as societal trust, scientists are not as bad as journalists yet, but they're going to get there[1]. The replication crisis was the backdrop of this, but the COVID pandemic made it very clear to anyone paying attention that the government dictates scientific consensus and any disagreement is squelched both by fellow scientists, and the prestige organizations in each field.
Now that this is being compounded with Woke-testing hires and publications, you've effectively ended the legitimacy of most publications, institutions, and papers.
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[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-tru...