Washington (May 19, 2025) – The Syndicate of Scientists concerned (UCS) has published a toolbox Help scientists summon independent science consulting committees (bags) to continue the work of critical federal committees dissolved by the Trump administration.
These committees, made up of the best scientists in the country in the academic world, the governments of states and premises, industry and non -profit organizations, provide federal agencies with the most robust scientific and technical advice.
Since the president took office, dozens of bags have been eliminated or consolidated. They include a committee responsible for protecting the public from poisoning by poor food security practices, a committee created in response to the reports of scientific integrity violations at the US Geological Survey and the national and atmospheric administration committees which provide space expertise, climate change and marine life. These scientific advisers help federal agencies make decisions according to the best sciences available.
“The scientists of these panels are at the forefront of problems with federal agencies that have taken with public health threats to commercial sector activities in space,” said Melissa Finucane, vice-president of science and innovation at the UCS and the main author of the toolbox. “We wanted to make sure that these committees can continue the important work they do, whether through a dismissed scientific advisory committee that is recognized, or another group of highly qualified experts.”
Scientists who wish to summon a dismantled committee can turn to the toolbox to obtain information on how to ensure that the Committee is independent and rigorous, best practices to manage a bag and how to pursue scientific progress in the evaluation and resolution of complex social problems.
Prosecution bags in the absence of federal leadership can create an opportunity to contain the public on critical scientific subjects, help counter disinformation in the public sphere and allow scientific construction and the construction of consensus to continue, according to the toolbox. Committees can also provide scientific advice to decision -makers at other levels of government and have ready recommendations for future decision -makers when the opportunity arises.
The EPA (Casac) scientific advisory committee (Casac) was dissolved during the last Trump administration, but the work continued via an independent self-organized group of scientists with relevant expertise. This independent panel was chaired by the co-author of Toolkit, Dr. Christopher Frey, and UCS helped to summon one of his meetings. The recommendations of the fine particles committee were given to the EPA administrator in a submission of public comments. This public file was available for decision -makers in other jurisdictions as well as in the subsequent presidential administration.
The UCS plans to share the toolbox with scientific companies and keep a webinar that walks in its uses for members of the UCS scientific network on May 22.
For more information, see Finucan blog “The federal science consulting committees are funded and dismantled. Here is a toolbox to help independent scientists intensify“”
The union of scientists concerned puts a rigorous and independent science to work to solve the most urgent problems of our planet. Joining people across the country, we combine an effective technical analysis and advocacy to create innovative and practical solutions for a healthy, safe and lasting future. For more information, go to www.ucs.org.