Science community holds its breath again as consequential US presidential election looms

When President Joe Biden beat incumbent Donald Trump for the White House nearly four years ago there was relief within the US research community. This election year anxiety among scientists in the US has resurfaced stronger than ever as Trump runs for president once again .

The prevailing sentiment among scientists and research advocates across the country is that another four-year term for Trump would be disastrous. Representatives from research institutions and scientific organisations, as well as many scientists who have previously served in advisory roles to the White House and federal agencies, are concerned by Trump’s record of slashing environmental regulations, instituting immigration policies that made it harder to attract foreign talent, and demonstrating what they describe as a sustained disrespect for the role of science, data and evidence in policymaking.