| October 3, 2006 |  |
Indiana Professor Claims Top Prize in Scientific Integrity Cartoon Contest
Indiana Professor Claims Top Prize in Scientific Integrity Cartoon Contest
WASHINGTON, DC — The Union of Concerned Scientists announced today that James MacLeod of Evansville, Indiana is the 2006 winner of "Science Idol: the Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest." The contest drew attention to political interference in science in the federal government and its impact on the health, safety, and environment of all Americans.
"It was a real challenge to come up with something humorous. How can you get a gag out of mountaintop removal mining?" said MacLeod, an amateur artist and history professor at the University of Evansville. "Cartoons allow you to tap into an audience you wouldn't otherwise reach. It's been a great opportunity for us to have conversations about the wider issue of scientific integrity."
This summer, creative minds throughout the United States submitted more than four hundred cartoons criticizing the distortion, manipulation, and suppression of science on topics ranging from global warming to toxic mercury pollution. UCS and four leading American cartoonists-Philadelphia Inquirer cartoonist Tony Auth, Christian Science Monitor cartoonist Clay Bennett, New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff, and Rhymes With Orange creator Hilary Price-narrowed down hundreds of entries to twelve finalists.
On September fifth, UCS invited the public to vote for their favorite cartoon. After 18,000 votes were cast, MacLeod's cartoon came out on top, giving him a cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to meet the celebrity judge of his choice. He decided on Mankoff.
"These are issues that are very close to people's hearts," added MacLeod. "I had a number of scientists email me to say, 'That's exactly how I feel.'"
In a parallel contest for professional cartoonists, the judges chose a cartoon by John Jonik, a freelance cartoonist living in Philadelphia.
A 2007 calendar featuring all twelve finalists and two previously unseen bonus cartoons has been published and is available for purchase on the UCS website. An explanation of the relevant political context and circumstances accompanies each finalist cartoon.
"While editorial cartoons can be funny, political interference in science is not," said Dr. Francesca Grifo, senior scientist and director of the UCS Scientific Integrity Program. "The calendar will serve as a constant reminder of how vigilant we must be in protecting the integrity of government science."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
