Elon: Get the DEI out of Science Funding!

Stop precious resources that should be devoted to cutting-edge scientific research from being wasted

(Getty Images Credit: Bill Oxford)

Much as I remain skeptical, the new administration, spurred on by Elon Musk, has promised to try and rid government of waste. In an article I just penned for the National Post in Canada, I describe some low hanging fruit. Federal Science agencies are devoting precious resources to misplaced DEI initiatives instead of supporting science. I provided some numbers for the NSF in the article, and urge at the very least that the new administration replace the heads of US science funding agencies with individuals who are more interested in supporting science than in supposed social justice activism.

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I am skeptical of campaign promises, especially from the incoming U.S. president, as I am skeptical of many of the past and present business promises from Elon Musk. But in an ecumenical spirit, I want to wish Musk and company luck and wisdom if they intend to follow through on their promise to reduce waste and inefficiency in government.

I would suggest one of the first places to turn is the management of science and engineering in the U.S., something that is ultimately central to both maintaining the pre-eminent economic position of the country and addressing the numerous challenges facing the world in the 21st century. If they act as I believe they should, they can provide an important leadership example that should be followed in Canada as well….

Here is a link to read the rest of the article.

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/lawrence-krauss-get-the-dei-out-of-science-funding-elon#comments-area