How democracy depends on science — and must protect it Verified information from trusted experts is crucial to help the public and governments navigate rapid changes and increasing complexity. By Martin Kahanec, Naomi Ellemers, Adam Izdebski, Rafal M. Łukasik, Dimitra Simeonidou, Rémy Slama & Mangala Srinivas

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-03510-4 For scientists, thoughts about democracy can feel distant from their work. Yet, around the world, governments are limiting academic freedom and interfering with decisions about what research is funded and who performs it1. Some scientists are also facing politically motivated interference and attacks2.