I work in grants. From my POV, the solution is not to compete for crumbs, but to put that effort into banding together across institutions to stand up for research. We need to yell at politicians and make sure Americans know what they’ll lose if university research ends. - ThreadSky

kristalerista.bsky.social • 18 days ago

I work in grants. From my POV, the solution is not to compete for crumbs, but to put that effort into banding together across institutions to stand up for research. We need to yell at politicians and make sure Americans know what they’ll lose if university research ends.

Comments

laney502.bsky.social•18 days ago

Seems right to me.
I’m astounded how stupid so many of our fellows are, including many members of my family — who went to most of the same schools I did. Sheesh.

“Better start swimming or you’ll sink like a stone for the times they are a changin’ “

resistprevail.bsky.social•18 days ago

Absolutely! I would be curious to hear everyone's thoughts on how to encourage early- (and not-so-early-) career academics to have the courage to speak up in this age of the calculated cut of tenure opportunities. I'm hearing students are afraid, so must be most faculty.

drstarbird.bsky.social•18 days ago

I agree, though I think faculty have been more afraid. Students have organized #StandUpForScience and other protests and been behind many petitions. It’s time for more faculty and leaders to step up.

resistprevail.bsky.social•16 days ago

Agreed & there's plenty of fear to go around. Also, a sense of powerlessness.

Anecdotally, at large protests near a public research university, I'm seeing only ~ 1 in 10 of people in the 18-40 cohorts. Sure, timing may be an issue, but I'm hearing resignation more.

Thanks for what you're doing!

kristalerista.bsky.social•18 days ago

As far as I’m concerned we have two choices: definitely lose your jobs and watch as universities are swiftly dismantled, or have a chance of losing your job while standing up to fascists. In option 2, we might win.

Yes it’s gonna be uncomfortable either way, but there is no normal anymore.

kristalerista.bsky.social•18 days ago

I think it would be helpful if political scientists and social scientists came up with a list of action items. All I know is that there’s just not enough money to go around to keep things “normal”

I’d love some guidance from experts on specific things to do aside from call representatives.

omfishient.bsky.social•18 days ago

Strongly recommend these science-specific activist groups/campaigns/resources, they are great!

1. https://bsky.app/profile/standupforscience.bsky.social/post/3lp5vqftl6c2l

2. https://bsky.app/profile/lizneeley.bsky.social/post/3loyhfgttjk2n

3. @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social

drstarbird.bsky.social•18 days ago

I agree. I’ve been saying this for a while now (as have many), but institutions have been very slow overall to see this is our reality.

kristalerista.bsky.social•18 days ago

It’s so frustrating. Maybe the first thing to do is to stand up to our institutions and let them know that kowtowing won’t save us. Republicans don’t have new research priorities, they want to end the pursuit of knowledge through empirical means. A mouse has better luck bargaining with a cat.

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply