FDA scientists

Strong Leadership Makes for Satisfied Federal Scientists: A Case Study at the FDA

, Lead science and policy analyst

August 15, 2018 6:06 PM EDT

As our research team was analyzing the results of our newest federal scientist survey that was released earlier this week, it was heartening to see that at some agencies, like at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the job satisfaction and ability to work appear to be even better than in years past. One of the best characterizations of the sentiments expressed by FDA scientists is this quote from a respondent: “The current administration has overall enforced certain science policies which harm the public in general. However, the current commissioner is fantastic and committed to the FDA’s mission. He is consistently involved in policy development which allows the protection and promotion of public health.” Read more >

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What Does Scott Gottlieb’s Leadership Mean for Scientific Integrity at the FDA?

, Lead science and policy analyst

May 9, 2017 4:24 PM EDT

Later this afternoon the Senate will vote to confirm Scott Gottlieb as the next U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner. What does this mean for scientists and science-based policymaking at the FDA? His conflicts of interest are certainly an indication that the pharmaceutical industry will benefit more from his tenure than Americans’ health. Read more >

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Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey’s Legacy for Science and Democracy

, former analyst, Center for Science & Democracy

August 31, 2015 10:37 AM EDT

On August 7, 2015, Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey passed away at the age of 101. Dr. Kelsey—a true hero of science and democracy—championed science-based policies that protected public health and safety throughout her life. Most famously, her actions preventing the FDA approval of thalidomide—a drug that causes birth defects—stopped what could have been a devastating tragedy for Americans. As my colleague Celia Wexler wrote, “The lesson of thalidomide is that regulations matter.” Read more >

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Where Is the FDA on Social Media and Science?

, Research Director, Center for Science and Democracy

March 18, 2015 12:37 PM EDT

Last week, we released an update to Grading Government Transparency, a report we first released in 2013. The report assesses the media policies and social media policies of 17 government agencies. How much could policy have changed in only two years? A Washington cynic might assume “not much.” But actually, we found significant improvement when it comes to social media at federal agencies. Read more >

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Putting the Interests of Patients First: Conference Endorses Science-Focused Health Care

, sr. Washington rep., Center for Science & Democracy

February 20, 2013 10:50 AM EDT

It’s not often that some of the best and most creative minds in medicine, medical ethics and healthcare all gather in one place. It’s even more rare when all these individuals are gathered together to focus on one problem—undue corporate influence on the treatment of patients in the U.S. Read more >

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