Coalition for Science

EcoHealth Alliance

The American public’s trust in scientific institutions is quickly eroding, partly because of disinformation campaigns conducted with political complicity. This has resulted in attacks against scientists, in the form of harassment, political persecution, and death threats. This has had disastrous effects. The Stanford Internet Observatory, which studies the effects of disinformation on democracy, has been effectively closed. EcoHealth Alliance has been accused of creating SARS-CoV-2, in the so-called lab leak theory, resulting in the loss of its federal funds. According to a survey by Science, 51% of scientists from various disciplines, including climate change and evolution, experienced harassment, some for years. To combat this, EcoHealth Alliance, with partners from universities, NGOs, and other institutions, convened the Coalition in 2023. Participants included Nobel Laureates, journalists, and researchers. The Coalition explored ideas such as creating an advocacy group; establishing a legal defense fund; and conducting rapid responses to disinformation campaigns. Most importantly, the Coalition would provide a united front for scientists fearing political persecution and harassment. American democracy is under threat, and attacking scientists is a known fascist strategy. We hope the Network for Social Change can support the Coalition with funds to allow it to formally incorporate and establish programs.