Sense about Science is a UK “independent charity that promotes the public interest in sound science and evidence,” according to the organization’s homepage. An October 29, 2024 Sense About Science announcement arrived in my email box (also online here),
Unfortunately, we don’t yet live in a world where it is safe for researchers to always speak out openly and honestly about research findings, even when it is important for society that they do so. We need to be able to ask difficult and sometimes uncomfortable scientific questions if we are to make decisions that affect the lives of many on the best available evidence.
Fortunately, however, there are brave researchers around the world who bringing evidence to public debate despite the potential of facing harassment or intimidation. The Maddox Prize is awarded by Springer Nature and Sense about Science to individuals who have shown courage and integrity in standing up for sound science and evidence and encourages others to do the same.
This year the judges have shortlisted 8 inspiring individuals from all the nominations received. They are:
Patrick Ball for his rigorous statistical work identifying, cataloguing and prosecuting war crimes. Patrick founded the Human Rights Data Analyst Group (HRDAG) and has spent over thirty years producing analysis for truth commissions, non-governmental organisations, international criminal tribunals and United Nations missions.
Kelly Cobey for her work implementing open science and championing the need to reform research assessment. Kelly is an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, where she is also director of the Metaresearch and Open Science programme.
Sholto David for his active role in identifying fabricated studies and results and protecting the integrity of science. Sholto is an analytical scientist with a PhD in cell and molecular biology from Newcastle University.
Ann McNeill for her work on studying interventions to reduce threats posed by cigarette smoking. Ann is a Professor of Tobacco Addiction in the National Addiction Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London.
Ben Mol for his work exposing scientific fraud in obstetrics and gynaecology research and removing fabricated papers from the literature. Ben is a Professor of obstetrics/gynaecology at Monash University in Australia.
John Nkengasong for conducting epidemiological studies of the COVID-19 virus in Africa whilst he was the director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. His efforts played a huge part in protecting the African population from COVID-19 despite challenges such as testing in regions of conflict. John is a virologist currently serving as the Global AIDS Coordinator in the Biden administration.
Shiba Subedi for his dedication campaigning in Nepali society for better awareness and preparedness for earthquakes. Shiba currently works as a seismologist at the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology.
Carola Vinuesa for her work using genetic sequencing to prevent unwarranted accusation of parents that they have harmed their children. Carola is internationally renowned for her discoveries in genetic causes of autoimmunity, and currently works at the Francis Crick Institute in London.
