Holden Thorpe, the editor of the academic journal ‘Science,’ has been making controversial claims in recent years. One of his assertions is that anyone involved in science, including journalists, policy professionals, and activists, can be considered a scientist. However, Dr. Henry Miller from ACSH disagrees with this notion.
In a recent episode of the Science Dispatch podcast, Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein discussed the implications of Thorpe’s statement. They highlighted how the editor-in-chief of a reputable scientific journal should have a clear understanding of who can be considered a scientist. Unfortunately, Thorpe’s definition seems to be overly broad and may not accurately reflect the qualifications required to be a true scientist.
Listeners can tune into the Science Dispatch podcast on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. By subscribing to the podcast or signing up for the Dispatch newsletter, individuals can stay informed about important scientific discussions and developments. It is crucial to distinguish between those who are truly scientists and those who simply work in or support the field of science.
In conclusion, Holden Thorpe’s claim that anyone involved in science can be considered a scientist is controversial and raises important questions about what it means to be a scientist. While there may be some overlap between different roles in science-related fields such as policy professionals and activists working alongside scientists in research projects or advocating for policies that promote scientific research – these individuals are not necessarily scientists themselves.
It is essential for journalists covering science topics to understand their own limitations when it comes to reporting on scientific developments accurately. As such, it is critical for them to stay informed about new discoveries made by actual scientists while also recognizing that they themselves do not possess all the necessary qualifications to be considered scientists.
Moreover, policy professionals and activists must understand their role in promoting scientific research while recognizing that they are not scientists themselves. They must work closely with actual scientists to ensure that their policies align with current scientific understanding while also advocating for policies that support future scientific research.
Overall, it is vital for everyone involved in science-related fields to have a clear understanding of what it means to be a scientist before making claims or advocating for policies related to this field of study.
