Commission launches to restore trust in science globally
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The World Health Summit (WHS) Academic Alliance and medical journal The Lancet created a commission of 30 experts from 22 countries to address declining public trust in science and increasing political pressure on universities.
These institutions recognize their role in solving complex health and societal problems, but worry that their ability to contribute is threatened.
The commission will spend the next two years analyzing how universities can best serve the public good while maintaining academic freedom, the ability of researchers to pursue independent study and openly share findings. The group will work in four areas, examining historical context, future requirements for responsible institutions, and practical approaches to societal interaction. They plan to publish their recommendations in The Lancet in 2028 for use by governments, organizations, and academic institutions.
Commission members argue that academic freedom isn’t just for scientists, but essential for worldwide social and economic progress. Boston University School of Public Health is actively involved in this effort, with Dean Adnan Hyder serving on the commission’s steering committee. The school already demonstrates a commitment to community engagement through projects like reducing student exposure to air pollution in Boston Public Schools and providing sanitation facilities in India, showcasing its 50-year history of impactful research and teaching.
