2018 Fall Meeting

10-15 December

Frustration is mounting over nationalist policies in the U.S. and other countries, which are obstructing the free exchange of ideas and effective collaboration among scientists. Several academics have lost their jobs or their ability to carry out their missions where nationalist governments have restricted academic freedoms and defunded science and education. Sadly, enrollment of foreign students in U.S. universities appears to be on the decline, perhaps due to uncertainties regarding visas and concerns over reported xenophobic sentiments that some of our leaders appear to condone. Tightening visa restrictions in the name of national security also impedes the ability of scientists to gather to advance scientific discovery and the benefits that science provides humanity. We know of several scientists who could not attend this 2018 AGU Fall Meeting because they were denied visas, usually without explanation.

While we must respect differences of opinion regarding immigration, national security, and other policies, we cannot remain silent when human dignity is violated and when the free exchange of ideas and knowledge is impeded. With about 40% of AGU members from outside of the U.S., this question clearly extends beyond American politics. What are the appropriate responses for scientific societies like the American Geophysical Union and its international membership? Consistent with the 2018 AGU meeting theme -- What Science Stands For -- this panel is asked to consider appropriate responses of the international scientific community to recent trends towards nationalism around the globe and its implications for the scientific enterprise.