American Meteorological Society Reaffirms Freedom Of Scientific Expression
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has readopted its official statement on “Freedom of Scientific Expression” during its Annual Meeting this week in Seattle. The Statement is part of the Society’s continuing efforts to keep scientists across the weather, water, and climate community free from professional harassment or intimidation.
Already the new Administration is restraining communications from government agencies related to the weather, water, and climate community. In several instances in recent years, government agencies and elected officials of both major political parties have attempted to obstruct or inhibit the work of scientists. In response, AMS wrote to remind those officials of the need for free scientific expression. This Statement is a basis for such communications with lawmakers and administrators.
The Statement reads, in part, “The ability of scientists to present their findings to the scientific community, policy makers, the media, and the public without censorship, intimidation, or political interference is imperative.”
“Scientific integrity is vital to the advancement of all sciences, as well promoting the use of scientific knowledge and understanding.” said Keith Seitter, AMS Executive Director. “Scientists must be free to do their work and communicate their findings.”
The Statement was approved by the AMS governing Council with no changes to the original version adopted on January 22, 2012. This allows the Statement will remain in force until January 2022. Read the full AMS Statement here.
About AMS
Founded in 1919, AMS is the leading voice in promoting and advancing the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences. We are committed to supporting and strengthening the weather, water, and climate community to ensure society fully benefits from scientific education, research, and understanding.
Headquartered in Boston, with an office in Washington DC, AMS has more than 13,000 members, including researchers, scientists, broadcasters, educators, and other professionals, as well as students and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes books, textbooks, and monographs as well as more than 2,000 articles annually across 11 peer-reviewed scientific journals. AMS set the standard for broadcast meteorologist certification in 1957, and today more than 1,500 broadcasters and consultants are AMS certified. Each year, AMS holds 8 to 12 specialty meetings and an Annual Meeting that draws more than 3,500 attendees. AMS helps inform policy makers of the latest scientific understanding and high-impact research, and promotes Earth Science literacy through initiatives for K—12 teachers and undergraduate institutions across the country.
