As a vocal advocate for vaccinations, Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and virologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, faced online harassment and threats. However, the abuse escalated when a man appeared at his home, filming himself as he harassed Hotez. Due to ongoing threats, Hotez now has extensive security measures, including law enforcement on speed dial and an FBI agent assigned to his protection.
Hotez's experience is not isolated. Scientists worldwide are facing increasing harassment both online and offline. Researchers in various fields, such as climate change and gun control, have historically faced abuse, but the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified and expanded these attacks. High-profile scientists like Anthony Fauci and Marc Van Ranst have endured significant threats, including assassination attempts and being forced into hiding.
The Scope of Harassment
The surge in harassment has not spared lesser-known scientists. Researchers in fields like disease modeling, pharmacology, and physics, who previously had little media exposure, are now targets. Sarah Sobieraj, a sociologist at Tufts University, notes that visibility can come from various sources, not necessarily from the scientists' own actions. Private lectures, conference presentations, and even journal publications can trigger abuse.
Institutional Response
Universities and research institutions often struggle to respond effectively to harassment. Many researchers feel unsupported by their institutions, leading to legal actions like the one by Siouxsie Wiles against the University of Auckland. Wiles alleges that the university failed to protect her from ongoing harassment.
Support Initiatives
Some institutions are taking steps to address the issue. For example, at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, researchers Tara Kirk Sell and Beth Resnick created a working group to support staff experiencing harassment. They established a dedicated email address for reporting abusive messages, triggering automatic alerts to campus security and providing immediate support to affected individuals.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Bram van der Meer, a threat-assessment specialist, advocates for multidisciplinary teams to handle harassment. These 'social-safety expert teams' should include members from security, human resources, legal, and university leadership to provide comprehensive support and swift responses to threats.
Reporting Challenges
Many victims delay reporting harassment due to fears of professional repercussions or being perceived as overreacting. This under-reporting hampers institutions' ability to assess the severity and spread of the problem. Connecting victims with others who have faced similar issues can help them feel less isolated and provide mutual support.
Broader Implications
Harassment can deter researchers from pursuing certain topics, particularly controversial ones. Alice Marwick, a communications researcher, notes that the fear of backlash discourages some from studying critical subjects. This avoidance undermines scientific progress and public knowledge.
Tailored Responses
Different forms of harassment require different responses. Public statements of support can be effective, but institutions must remain politically neutral. However, neutrality can sometimes disadvantage scientists under attack from politically motivated sources.
Spurious Complaints
Dealing with spurious complaints of misconduct is another challenge. Institutions must follow due process while also protecting researchers' reputations from baseless accusations. Repeat complainants can be asked to cease and desist if no new evidence is provided.
Peer Harassment
Harassment from peers or colleagues is particularly impactful. Universities must balance academic freedom with the need to protect researchers from defamatory or violent criticism. Geneticist Jack Heinemann suggests that academic freedom should be used to confront and correct misinformation rather than limit communication.
Conclusion
The rise in harassment of scientists is a serious issue that requires comprehensive and coordinated responses from institutions. Support mechanisms, clear reporting channels, and proactive measures are essential to protect researchers and uphold the integrity of scientific communication.
