The Center for Science and Democracy
Strengthening American democracy by advancing the essential role of science, evidence-based decision making, and constructive debate as a means to improve the health, security, and prosperity of all people.
Why a Center for Science and Democracy?
The role of science in our democracy has been marginalized, and science is increasingly misrepresented in our public discourse. This is a deeply troubling development at a time when we face huge challenges that require pragmatic, evidence-based solutions. The Center for Science and Democracy was created to address this problem.
What We're Doing
The Center's work takes many forms. We're producing original research and analysis, such as reports and case studies showing how science and democracy are (or too often, aren't) working together to solve problems. We're creating opportunities for public dialogue, such as our Branscomb Forum series, to help spark a national conversation on the role of science in our democracy. And we're calling on Americans—prominent thought leaders as well as ordinary citizens—to help us make the case for evidence-based solutions.
- Case Study: SARS—A Pandemic Prevented
- Report: The Role of Trade Groups in the Climate Debate
- Branscomb Forum: Improving Citizen Access to Government Science
What You Can Do
To succeed, the Center for Science and Democracy will need the help of citizens, scientists and decisions makers like you—people who understand the importance of scientific evidence in solving our common problems, and want to be part of that solution.
"Democracy, like science, is an ongoing experiment, always building on documented evidence."
—John N., Fountain Hills, Arizona
Tell us why you think science is important for our democracy.
Scientific Integrity in Federal Policy Making
Science can play a crucial role in solving problems and making our country healthier, safer, and more prosperous—but only if it's free to do its job without political or corporate interference.
More about our scientific integrity work
Science and Democracy: A Rich History
Science and government have enjoyed a fruitful relationship in the United States, going all the way back to citizen-scientists like Franklin and Jefferson, whose interest in science is written into our founding documents.
Science is far from a perfect instrument of knowledge. It is merely the best we have. In this respect, as in many others, it's like democracy.
—Carl Sagan
Join the conversation on The Equation, the UCS blog:
It’s Time to Ask Ourselves: What Would Ben Franklin Do? Michael Halpern
The State of the Union is This: America is Ready to Take Bold Climate Action Kevin Knobloch
President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address and Self-Executing Truths Michael Halpern
Got Science?
Stories about the use and misuse of science in government, politics, and the media
Soot Happened: EPA's New Standard Finally Gets the Science Right
New Whistleblower Law Protects You, Too
Who We Are
Our Experts
Andrew Rosenberg
Director
Pallavi Phartiyal
Senior Analyst and Program Manager
Deborah Bailin
Analyst
Gretchen Goldman
Analyst
Celia Wexler
Senior Washington Representative
Contact Us
For more information about how to get involved and to learn about opportunities to support the Center, please contact Pallavi Phartiyal at pphartiyal@ucsusa.org or 617-301-8039.
