I am worried that many of us are afraid of speaking truth to power. That scientists, many of them excellent, within our national research bodies would not call out outrageous statements and lack of evidence based steps defies me. Isn't that a basic scientist quality?

Are we so afraid of upsetting status quo, our bosses who might have erred, that we would be willing to let the institution and its credibility be marred? Does that not hurt us at some basic level. Does that not trouble you when you reflect on what it means for Indian Science?

I know many of you are being asked questions in emails, phone calls and whatsapp groups and struggling to respond. We hope you will find the strength to rescue the institutions you represent from losing their sheen. Remember credibility takes ages to build, but easy to lose it.

There have been controversies in this country which have harmed trust in research. The HPV vaccine one is an exemplar. The clinical trials Imbroglio in 2013 is another one. The SC had to step in to try to clear the mess.
We cannot afford a mess up on the fundamentals of science

The pandemic is not a reason to bypass the basics of science, but rather to build on these to try to come up with a response. With humility, accepting that failure is a distinct possibility. With healthy skepticism, asking the right questions. Even within our own organizations

We will survive the pandemic, at least most of us hopefully. But we might see credibility of Indian Science and health policy making emerge much weaker and dented. Rather than actually being strengthened by building on past work and a solid evidence base.

Perhaps, just perhaps there is still hope for the latter. For that can the Indian scientist please stand up, speak out. Put the nation, and science and values, ethics above biases and parochialism and loyalty to institutional hierarchies.

Let's work towards enhancing the quality body of work of Indian Science. Not push it towards mediocrity.

@threadreaderapp unroll please