Science Inventory

The Importance of Fostering and Funding Scientific Research, and its Relevance to Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Citation:

Sesin, V., J. Judy, L. Kapustka, B. Opeolu, M. Ottinger, P. Bertsch, Y. Wang, Jim Lazorchak, T. Smythe, AND R. Stahl. The Importance of Fostering and Funding Scientific Research, and its Relevance to Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, FL, 42(3):581-593, (2023). https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5542

Impact/Purpose:

This a commentary on science related to Environmental Toxicology and chemistry, some historic past contributions of science, plus the current uncertainity that public has on trusting contemporary science.

Description:

What do environmental contaminants and climate change have in common with the virus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19? We argue that one common element is the wealth of basic and applied scientific research that provides the knowledge and tools essential in developing effective programs for addressing threats to humans and social-ecological systems. Research on various chemicals, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), resulted in regulatory action to protect environmental and human health. Moreover, decades of research on coronaviruses, mRNA, and recently SARS-CoV-2, enabled the rapid development of vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we explore the common elements of basic and applied scientific research breakthroughs that link chemicals, climate change, and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and describe how scientific information was applied for protecting human health and, more broadly, socio-ecological systems. We also offer a cautionary note on the misuse and mistrust of science that is not new in human history, but unfortunately, is surging in modern times. Our goal is illustrating the critical role of scientific research to society, and we argue that research must be intentionally fostered, better funded, and applied appropriately. To that end, we offer evidence that supports the importance of investing in scientific research and, where needed, ways to counter the spread of misinformation and disinformation that undermines legitimate discourse.