The Importance of Scientific Integrity in Policy Formation

The resignation of Dr. Peter Marks from his role as Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) is more than a leadership change—it’s a flashing red warning light for the future of American scientific leadership. In his resignation letter, Dr. Marks wrote, “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.” He further warned against “undermining confidence in well-established vaccines that have met the high standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness.” When a leader of Dr. Marks’ caliber—someone who has been instrumental in guiding the U.S. through some of its most complex biologics challenges—feels compelled to step down over political interference, we should all be alarmed. Current policies at HHS are putting scientific advancement at risk. They're weakening the foundations of the U.S. research ecosystem and eroding our global competitive edge in biotech and life sciences. Political agendas cannot be allowed to override the rigorous, independent evaluation of medical products. If we compromise our commitment to evidence-based regulation, we lose not only public trust—but also our position as a global leader in innovation. Now is the time for every stakeholder—patients, clinicians, researchers, nonprofits, and industry—to speak up. We must demand an FDA that is independent, science-driven, and protected from political interference. We must stand behind the scientists who uphold rigor and truth, not rhetoric. Dr. Marks’ departure is a loss—but it can also be a turning point. If we act. #FDA #CBER #PeterMarks #ScienceMatters #ClinicalResearch #Biotech #PublicHealth #Policy #HHS #ScientificIntegrity #InnovationLeadership

Hiding or removing scientific data doesn’t protect the public—it puts lives at risk. Transparency in public health and scientific research is fundamental to trust, safety, and effective policymaking. Yet, we are now witnessing deliberate decisions to remove critical scientific data and public health information from our nation’s most trusted institutions, including the CDC, FDA, and NIH. These actions are not just concerning—they undermine public health, erode confidence in our medical institutions, and leave communities vulnerable. Access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to make informed decisions. Suppressing or erasing this data does not protect us; it weakens our ability to respond to crises, from pandemics to chronic disease management. Science must inform policy—not be silenced for political convenience. We cannot afford to let misinformation or suppression dictate our nation’s health policies. I urge my colleagues, scientists, healthcare professionals, and advocates to speak up. Demand transparency. Hold leaders accountable. Support organizations that fight for evidence-based policies. We must ensure that decisions impacting public health are rooted in facts, not politics. Our future depends on it. #ScienceMatters #TransparencyInScience #PublicHealth #TrustTheData #ScienceNotSilence #EvidenceBasedPolicy #Advocacy

When Data Meets Dogma: Why Scientific Integrity Matters Danish researchers tracked 1.2 MILLION children for over two decades. They found “no significant risk of developing autoimmune, allergic or neurodevelopmental disorders was associated with exposure to aluminium compounds in vaccines.” Their response to political pressure? They didn’t back down. Data is data. When powerful people attack research because it contradicts their predetermined beliefs, they’re not protecting autistic people. They’re protecting their own narratives. Real scientific integrity looks like: • Following evidence wherever it leads • Replicating studies across populations • Admitting when you’re wrong • Standing firm when you’re right Science isn’t about proving what you already believe. It’s about discovering what’s actually true - even when that truth is inconvenient. Thank you to every researcher who chooses data over dogma, evidence over influence, and truth over comfort. Article in comments. #ScientificIntegrity #ActuallyAutistic #Research #DataDriven