The authoritative guide to ensuring science and technology make life on Earth better, not worse.

The coming science caucus?

By John Mecklin | June 15, 2017

It’s not pi in the sky. Across the United States, scientists have decided to put their Ph.Ds to work by running for political office.

Or so writes the Los Angeles Times’ Melissa Healy as part of a series that tracks five scientists who are seeking seats in Congress. As Healy describes the situation, “In districts blue and red, working scientists are putting two hypotheses to the test. First: Their facility with facts and data will make them better policymakers than the politicians currently in office. Second: Their profession’s reputation for pragmatism and problem-solving will mobilize and unify voters around them.”

Communicating with voters of course requires more than peer-reviewed findings, and the new crop of Democratic scientist-candidates receives coaching from, among other groups, a nonprofit with a charming scientific reference in its name, 314 Action.

That’s 314, as in the first three digits of pi, the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter.


Publication Name: Los Angeles Times
To read what we're reading, click here

Together, we make the world safer.

The Bulletin elevates expert voices above the noise. But as an independent nonprofit organization, our operations depend on the support of readers like you. Help us continue to deliver quality journalism that holds leaders accountable. Your support of our work at any level is important. In return, we promise our coverage will be understandable, influential, vigilant, solution-oriented, and fair-minded. Together we can make a difference.

Get alerts about this thread
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
A painted Doomsday Clock surrounded by text snippets and illustrations from the Bulletin’s magazine archives appears beside text that reads, “Discuss the US elections, geopolitics, space, and more at the Bulletin’s annual gathering. On November 12, join 250 attendees and members of Bulletin leadership—including those who set the Doomsday Clock—at our annual gathering in Chicago.” Below it, a button that reads, “Get my ticket.”

RELATED POSTS

Receive Email
Updates