Hi Reddit! We lead the Center for Science and Democracy at Union of Concerned Scientists. Our work focuses on strengthening democracy by advancing the role of science, evidence-based decisionmaking, and constructive debate as a means to improve the health, security, and prosperity of all people. To achieve this mission, we’ve spent 15 years tracking and exposing how presidential administrations and members of Congress of all political stripes politicize science. Our work includes an investigation into abuses of science during the Bush administration, a look at progress and problems with scientific integrity during the Obama administration, and our most recent work tracking attacks on science from the current administration and Congress. We look forward to answering questions about how science is used (and misused) in policy decisions and how this affects people across the country! Jacob Carter is a Research Scientist at the Center. Jacob earned a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology and a graduate-level certificate in environmental studies from the University of Kansas. He also holds an M.S. in biology from Kansas State University. Prior to joining UCS, Jacob worked at the Environmental Protection Agency and at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Gretchen Goldman is the Research Director at the Center. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in environmental engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Gretchen leads research efforts on the role of science in public policy, focusing on topics ranging from scientific integrity in government decision-making, to political interference in science-based standards on hydraulic fracturing, climate change, sugar, and chemicals. Michael Halpern is the Deputy Director of the Center. Michael has extensive expertise in defending scientists from harassment and creating conditions that make science and scientists more resilient to political, industry, and ideological influence. He also oversees efforts to enable scientists to more effectively engage the public. 3:10: Hi everyone—thanks for stopping by and asking good questions. We hope you’ll stay involved and help keep independent science strong. Have a great weekend!