As advisers to the nation on all matters of science, medicine, and public health, we are compelled to underscore the value of science-based decision-making at all levels of government.  Our nation is at a critical time in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic with important decisions ahead of us, especially concerning the efficacy and safety of vaccines.

Policymaking must be informed by the best available evidence without it being distorted, concealed, or otherwise deliberately miscommunicated.  We find ongoing reports and incidents of the politicization of science, particularly the overriding of evidence and advice from public health officials and derision of government scientists, to be alarming.  It undermines the credibility of public health agencies and the public’s confidence in them when we need it most.  

Ending the pandemic will require decision-making that is not only based on science but also sufficiently transparent to ensure public trust in, and adherence to, sound public-health instructions.  Any efforts to discredit the best science and scientists threaten the health and welfare of us all.
 
Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences
 
Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine

Rapid Expert Consultations on the COVID-19 Pandemic: March 14, 2020-April 8, 2020   In response to a request from the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a standing committee of ... [read more]   Buy This Book Download Free PDF Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine   On September 1, 2020, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine invited public comment on the Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine, commissioned by the Centers for Disease ... [read more]   Download Free PDF Reopening K-12 Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prioritizing Health, Equity, and Communities   The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to the nation's K-12 education system. The rush to slow the spread of the virus led to closures of schools across the country, with little time to ensure continuity of instruction or to ... [read more]   Buy This Book Download Free PDF Evaluating Data Types: A Guide for Decision Makers using Data to Understand the Extent and Spread of COVID-19   This rapid expert consultation provides insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the data on the COVID-19 pandemic by applying five criteria to seven types of data available to support decision making. It was produced through the Societal ... [read more]   Download Free PDF National Academies Press.   National Academies Press 500 Fifth St. NW Washington, DC 20001 Add us to your address book