Dr. Jay Bhattacharya just pledged to support dissident scientists in his Senate confirmation hearing: “Dissent is the very essence of science.” “23% of Americans have not much or no confidence at all … in scientists to act in the public’s best interests.” “I have five concrete goals if confirmed as Director of the NIH.” “First, NIH research should focus on research that solves the American chronic disease crisis.” “Life expectancy flatlined between 2012 and 2019, plummeted during the pandemic, and still has not bounced back.” “The chronic disease crisis is severe, with hundreds of millions of Americans—children and adults—suffering from obesity, heart disease, cancer and more.” “Second, NIH-supported science should be replicable, reproducible, and generalizable.” “Unfortunately, much bought modern biomedical science fails this basic test.” “Third, if confirmed, I will establish a culture of respect for free speech in science and scientific dissent at the NIH.” “Over the last few years, top NIH officials oversaw a culture of cover-up, obfuscation, and a lack of tolerance for ideas that differ from theirs.” “Fourth, the NIH must recommit to its mission to fund the most innovative biomedical research agenda possible to improve American health.” “Fifth, the NIH must embrace, and vigorously regulate, risky research that has the possibility of causing a pandemic.” “If confirmed, I'll carry out President Trump's agenda of making the public science institutions of this country worthy of trust and serve to Make America Healthy Again.” @DrJBhattacharya