The Trump regime is working hard to destroy American science, corrupt our science institutions, steal our natural resources, and drag medicine back by a century or more. The good news is that American science is stronger than ever thanks to the support of prior administrations. With effort, we can turn back the current efforts to damage our science progress.

We are taking appropriate steps to reverse the Trumpian damage. Neil Shubin has just assumed the position of President of the National Academy of Sciences. This provides him with a prominent role in guiding our science enterprises.

You may know Professor Shubin from his important discoveries in paleontology, especially of Tiktaalik, a Devonian fish. This discovery by Shubin and colleagues allowed us to understand the transition of animals from water to land.

Shubin has made many other important discoveries about the evolution of animals. But of equal importance is his long record of explaining evoluion so all of us can understand it. This includes several excellent books accessible to lay readers like Your Inner Fish. Dr. Shubin clearly understands the importance of explaining good science to everyone.

As President of the NAS, Dr. Shubin now has a wonderful opportunity not only to continue the progress of American science, but also to greatly expand the public understanding of science. I hope it provides more opportunities to those of us who write about science for the reading public.

Photo: Dr. Neil Shubin (R) looking into the eyes of Tiktaalik (L). Source: Soul of Life Show