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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

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Published on: September 28, 2018

The chilling effect: how do researchers react to controversy?

Joanna Kempner¹

¹Rutgers University, Department of Sociology and Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.

|November 21, 2008

Summary

Political controversy can lead scientists to self-censor research topics and grant proposals. This study reveals a "chilling effect" on scientific inquiry due to public political debates.

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Published on: June 15, 2020

Area of Science:

Science policy
Research integrity
Academic freedom

Background:

Political controversies increasingly target scientific research and funding.
Understanding scientists' reactions to political pressure is crucial for maintaining research integrity.
Little is known about the impact of political controversy on scientific production.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of political controversy on scientists' research practices.
To examine how scientists respond when their funding is publicly criticized.
To assess the prevalence of self-censorship in scientific research.

Main Methods:

Qualitative interviews with 30 scientists.
Quantitative survey data from 82 scientists.
Analysis of scientists' reactions to politically controversial National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded grants.

Main Results:

Many scientists engaged in self-censorship following political controversy.
Approximately 50% removed controversial terms from grants; 25% eliminated research topics.
Some researchers sought more secure positions, while others felt more committed to their work.

Conclusions:

Political controversies significantly influence scientists' research choices.
Beyond direct suppression, self-censorship is a key mechanism shaping science.
Future research should consider the impact of political events on scientists' self-directed inquiry.