Uncertainty and misinformation in science are on the rise, and many people are becoming wary and mistrusting of mainstream media sources and scientific agencies post-pandemic era. To address this issue, scientists from across the country are writing letters to local news outlets that emphasize the importance of scientific funding in their local communities. This initiative, known as the McClintock Letters, aims to foster communication and rebuild relationships between scientists and the broader public.
The goal is to publish 1,000 letters in local outlets by June 16th, which is Nobel-prize winning geneticist Barbara McClintock’s birthday. Barbara was a champion for women in science and diversifying scientific perspectives, and her brilliant discoveries in the maize model system outline the inherent value in supporting basic science.
You can join this effort in highlighting the importance of protecting federally funded scientific research. AWIS has compiled some statistics on the benefits of federal science funding and provided draft letter templates. Science Homecoming, the initiative behind the McClintock Letter project, encourages you to make your message personal. Here are some simple topic ideas:
- How has your research affected local communities?
- How has your local community influenced you and your research?
- How does NIH or NSF funding directly impact your state or institution? You can find specific figures here and their impact here.
- Have you or your family had experiences with federally funded clinical trials?
- Did you work in a laboratory during your scientific journey that influenced your current career?
Avoid discussing political issues to keep your letter bipartisan and straightforward. Be sure to conclude your letter with a call to action such as inviting your reader to sign the citizen pledge, stay engaged with the scientific community, and consider reaching out to their representatives through 5 Calls.
Science Homecoming has developed a step-by-step process and interactive tools to help researchers get started:
- Use the interactive map on the Science Homecoming website to find a list of local papers in your county.
- Contact the editor of your local paper, asking to place an opinion piece about the importance of federal funding. Confirm if they have a word limit or target like 500-1000 words. (Science Homecoming has examples of letters you can use when reaching out to editors.)
- Write your letter outlining the impact NSF or NIH funding has had on your local community. Use the writing guidelines and other helpful information on the Science Homecoming website. (Reach out to editor@sciencehomecoming.com if needed to take advantage of their free editing services.)
- Submit your letter to your local paper, aiming for it to be published the week of June 16th, Barbara McClintock’s birthday. If it’s later, that’s still absolutely worthwhile. Your voice matters.
- Published your piece? Submit it through the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP) report-back form so they can showcase your amazing work!
By publishing letters in local news outlets, we can reach more people than national publications like the New York Times or the Washington Post — and target a more diverse audience. It will also spur connections and conversations between local community members. Thank you in advance for participating!
Sydney Woods and Bailey McLagan have both served as an AWIS/AAAS Advocacy Scholars and are members of the AWIS Advocacy Committee.