Science Idol: The Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest
Science Idol: Celebrity Edition
Profile of the winner
Winning cartoon
2009 contestants
Order a calendar
Editorial Cartoons Can Be Funny. Political Interference in Science Is Not.
After more than 10,000 votes were cast, Jesse Springer of Eugene, OR, came out on top in this year's Science Idol: The Scientific Integrity Editorial Cartoon Contest. His cartoon will grace the cover of this year's Scientific Integrity Calendar:
"The Endangered Species Act is something that hits close to home in Oregon," he says. "Salmon preservation, for example, is related to many issues-water use, energy, economic stability, and so much more. It's important for the conservation planning to be science-based, and for all stakeholders to have a voice."
Learn more about Jesse and the power of editorial cartoons.
Science Idol: Celebrity Edition
In Science Idol: Celebrity Edition, 12 proven artists created editorial cartoons that poke fun at the not-so-humorous issue of political interference in federal government science. The cartoons highlight the need for the Obama administration and Congress to create a thriving federal scientific enterprise. View the cartoons here.
The Obama administration has sent positive signals and taken a few steps to ensure that science informs policy free from manipulation, suppression, and distortion. But there’s a lot of work to be done to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking.
The 2010 Defending Science Calendar
A 2010 calendar featuring all twelve finalists and several bonus cartoons is available for purchase. An explanation of the relevant political context and circumstances accompanies each finalist cartoon. And the winning cartoon will be featured on the cover.
Why Editorial Cartoons?
It's our job to raise awareness about the consequences of political interference in science in an accessible way--and this issue is fertile ground for satire. Because of these cartoons, hundreds of thousands of people will learn about the causes and consequences of political tampering with independent science.
The ongoing effort to increase awareness of scientific integrity issues amongst scientists and non-scientists alike is essential to restore independent science to federal policy during this administration, and each and every one that follows. Learn more about our recommendations to the new administration and our past successes.
Spread the Word and Get Involved
We need the persistent and energetic engagement of scientists and non-scientists alike to push the Obama Administration to implement scientific integrity reform. If you're a scientist, engineer, or health professional, join the UCS Science Network to learn about ways you can weigh in with federal policy makers. If you are not a scientist and want to be involved, please sign up here.
