"No science is immune to the infection of politics and the corruption of power"

Jacob Bronowski’s observation addresses the inherent vulnerability of science to external influences, highlighting how even the most rigorous disciplines are not isolated from societal forces. Science is often regarded as a pursuit grounded in objectivity, dedicated to uncovering truths about the natural world through evidence and reason. However, the ideals of impartiality and independence are frequently challenged by the realities of human institutions, where political interests and the dynamics of power can shape which questions are asked, how data are interpreted, and which findings are promulgated or suppressed.

Political considerations can enter scientific arenas subtly or overtly. Funding for research can depend on alignment with governmental priorities or the interests of influential groups, steering scientific agendas in particular directions. For instance, public health policies, environmental regulations, and technological innovation are all areas where scientific consensus may be influenced by the prevailing political climate. When political power is wielded to dictate research outcomes or stifle dissenting voices, the integrity of science is compromised, leading to biased or even fraudulent conclusions that may serve the interests of a select few rather than the greater good.

The “corruption of power” refers to the susceptibility of those in authority, whether in government, academia, or industry, to manipulate scientific processes for personal or collective gain. History provides numerous examples: the suppression of inconvenient findings about tobacco and health, the manipulation of data concerning climate change, or the ethical abuses in biomedical research during wartime. These episodes illustrate how power can dictate what is studied, which results are disseminated, and how science is integrated into policy and public understanding.

Acknowledging the infection of politics and the potential for corruption is not to dismiss the value or achievements of science, but to call for constant vigilance and commitment to transparency, ethical standards, and the protection of intellectual independence. Cultivating an environment where questioning and dissent are possible strengthens science against these perpetual threats.