In the Pursuit of Real Science 7

The Future of STEM and the Sustainability of the Scientific Community.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—collectively known as STEM—have always driven innovation and progress. From artificial intelligence and quantum computing to climate solutions and vaccine development, STEM shapes nearly every aspect of modern life. But as the world evolves, so too must the scientific community. Ensuring its sustainability—environmentally, economically, ethically, and socially—isn’t just about funding the next big discovery; it’s about reimagining who participates, how we support them, and how science earns and maintains the public’s trust.

Redefining Who Belongs in STEM.

For the scientific enterprise to thrive, it must reflect the diversity of the world it seeks to serve. That means more than just opening doors to women, people of color, LGBTQ+ scientists, individuals with disabilities, and those from low-income backgrounds—it requires removing systemic barriers and rethinking how we define fairness, merit and excellence.

Initiatives like the National Science Foundation’s INCLUDES program and STEM equity fellowships at institutions such as the National Institutes of Health and Howard Hughes Medical Institute are helping to foster more inclusive research environments. Organizations like Black in STEM, 500 Women Scientists, and Queer in STEM are also amplifying underrepresented voices, building community, and shifting culture and norms.

True sustainability means cultivating a scientific workforce that represents and reflects the full spectrum of human talent—not just those who have historically had access to elite education and research opportunities.

Restructuring the Research Ecosystem.

Funding remains a major pain point for the sustainability of real science. The hyper-competitive grant environment, particularly in academia, often leads to short-term projects, burnout, and a “publish or perish” culture that can stifle creativity and risk-taking.

Alternative funding models—such as mission-driven philanthropy, crowdsourced science platforms, and federal funding for early-stage high-risk research—are beginning to shift this landscape. For example, the ARPA-H initiative (i.e., Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health is a U.S. government agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), designed to accelerate biomedical and health breakthroughs) aims to fund breakthrough biomedical innovations by supporting bold, unconventional ideas with potentially transformative impacts. Regrettably, its continued existence is now threatened due to the Trump Administration's tenure in the White House and the ongoing restructuring of the numerous agencies within HHS.

Additionally, we must recognize and reward collaboration, mentorship, and reproducibility—not just novelty and citation counts. Moving toward more holistic metrics of scientific impact can make research careers more engaging and empowering.

Expanding Career Pathways.

A growing scientific community also requires viable, respected career paths outside academia. Today, a majority of STEM PhDs in the U.S. do not end up as tenure-track faculty at institutions of higher learning—yet academic training often fails to prepare them for careers in industry, policy, science communication, or entrepreneurship.

New programs like the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, NIH’s BEST (Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training), and university-supported professional science master’s degrees are helping bridge the gap between graduate education and diverse careers.

Recognizing that real science happens in many places—not just labs and lecture halls—is crucial. We must broaden our definition of scientific contribution to include those who build tools, translate real science for the public, and lead innovation in startups and nonprofits.

Rebuilding Public Trust in Real Science.

The very foundation of STEM also depends on public trust. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed both the power of real science to save lives and the fragility of its public reputation. Disinformation, politicization, and scientific arrogance have eroded trust in many communities.

To rebuild that trust, scientists must engage authentically, meaningfully, and consistently with the public—not just in crises. This includes transparency in methods and data, humility about uncertainty, and communication that centers empathy and shared values.

Public-facing scientists, such as those on platforms like YouTube’s “SciShow”, NOVA, or even TikTok, are helping humanize real science. Partnerships with community leaders, patient advocates, and educators can also bridge cultural divides and build long-term relationships that make real science more accessible and responsive.

Embracing Global Collaboration.

Real science is inherently global, and its future will depend on international cooperation. Whether tackling climate change, infectious diseases, or space exploration, no nation can go it alone.

Global initiatives like the CERN particle collider, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine partnerships illustrate what’s possible when countries and institutions work together. However, these collaborations require equitable partnerships—especially with researchers in the Global South—and mechanisms to ensure open access, data sharing, and mutual respect.

As geopolitical tensions rise, the challenge will be to preserve scientific diplomacy and resist the fragmentation of knowledge along national lines.

Looking Ahead.

The future of STEM lies not only in bold discoveries, but in the wellness and resilience of the scientific community itself. If we want innovation that benefits all of humanity, we must invest in people as much as in projects. That means building inclusive systems, embracing diverse career paths, strengthening global ties, and cultivating public trust through transparency and outreach.

Real science doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it’s a human enterprise, a social construct. Its maintainability depends on whether we treat it, and each other, as such.