Concerns raised about threats to academic freedom

Academics have raised concerns about potential threats to academic freedom, after the Government proposed a new "code of practice" be developed in relation to academics speaking publically.

In its National Strategic Plan for Science in Society, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment called on the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) to lead the development of a new code of practice for scientists on public engagement. The idea is currently being considered by RSNZ.

At present, RSNZ has a Code of Professional Standards and Ethics. This states that scientists may only represent themselves as experts in their fields of competence, must be fair and balanced, declare any conflicts of interest and ensure their public statements are supported by research. The Tertiary Education Union reported that Nicola Gaston, president of the New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS), said the current code is enough to cover scientists' ethical obligations.

The Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman said there are concerns some scientists "exaggerate what they know and forget to say what they don't know", straying into advocacy that goes beyond their expertise. However other scientists including Dr Mike Joy and Professor Shaun Hendy responded in the media with concerns that the proposed code could be used to stop scientists speaking out.

The NZAS carried out a survey of scientists on the proposal. (Social sciences are considered a subset of science.) The responses reveal a high level of concern about the constraints, risks and disincentives that scientists already face in relation to speaking publicly and comments that researchers need more encouragement to speak publicly, not less. Concerns were raised particularly where issues may be controversial or counter to political or commercial interests.

The theme of the New Zealand Association of Scientists conference will be Going public: Scientists speaking out on difficult issues in Wellington on 10 April 2015. The NZAS says "This will be a chance to discuss the current climate surrounding scientists and the communication of science to the wider public, media and government. Our aim is to bring light to these issues and give our members a chance to share their experiences and have their say on the matter."

The New Zealand Work Research Insitute at Auckland University of Technology has also carried out a Survey of Work and Wellbeing in the Tertiary Education Sector (May 2014). It found that 39 percent of academics believe academic freedom has got worse since they started work. Just 10 percent believe it has improved. 42 percent say their opportunity to act as "critic and conscience" of society is worse than when they started their job. Acting as "critic and conscience" is a legal duty of a university under the Education Act 1989.

Resources

Academic Freedom Aotearoa is a ‘watchdog’ and advocacy group made up of staff and students of tertiary institutions around the country, committed to protecting and enhancing academic freedom and tertiary education institutions’ autonomous role as the critic and conscience of society. The group was launched in 2013.

Update

On 3 December 2014, the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health published an editorial by Boyd Swinburn and Michel Moore, Urgently needed: Voices for integrity in public policy making. The authors say a "blanket of suppression is insidiously descending upon the voices for public health. Transnational corporations are pulling down on one side of the blanket to quieten the voices calling for regulation of their products and their behaviours while unfortunately some governments are pulling down on the other side."

Media

More scientists complain of gagging, Radio NZ, 22.06.2015

Public health researchers under attack - editorial, Science Media Centre, 05.12.2014

Scientists are 'undermined by attack campaigns - expert', Stuff, 04.12.2014

Wayne Brittenden's Counterpoint, Radio NZ, 19.10.2014(Extended discussion of the issues, including an interview with Professor Jack Heinemann from the University of Canterbury.)

Scientists want new media code to allow criticism of government, Radio NZ, 03.10.2014

Scientists fear they could be gagged if new code gets green light, Radio NZ, 02.10.2014

Fears proposed code could gag science, Radio NZ, 02.10.2014