This op-ed, published in the Falmouth Enterprise, is a unified statement from the leaders of three Woods Hole science institutions: Nipam Patel, Director, Marine Biological Laboratory; Peter B. de Menocal, President and Director; Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; and R. Max Holmes, President and CEO, Woodwell Climate Research Center.
Falmouth is more than just a picturesque coastal town; it is a vibrant village of discovery built over decades around the pillars of science, education and environmental stewardship. In the same way, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Woodwell Climate Research Center and Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) are not just esteemed institutions, but integral parts of our community.
The Woods Hole scientific community was seeded by the creation of the nation’s first federal fisheries laboratory in 1871. Over the past 150 years, it has grown into a rich ecosystem of federal and nonprofit research centers that are, collectively, one of the largest employers on Cape Cod. These institutions provide thousands of jobs, attract hundreds of millions of dollars in research funding each year and sit at the heart of Massachusetts’ burgeoning blue economy.
The people who work at our institutions are neighbors, friends and family members who contribute to the local economy, volunteer for local schools and nonprofits, and enrich our cultural landscape in countless ways. Their work has fostered a unique blend of scientific excellence and community spirit that is unmatched.
Today our work faces unprecedented challenges. Despite the increasing need for accurate, evidence-based research, our science is increasingly challenged for nonscientific objectives. However, the importance of unbiased, nonpartisan research has never been greater. As the world grapples with changes too numerous to detail here, the contributions of our institutions have become increasingly vital, and it is essential that we stand together to support the use of scientifically grounded facts in the development and implementation of fiscally responsible and socially beneficial policies.
Our science and expertise have a storied history of excellence. People we share the grocery check-out aisle with have received Nobel Prizes, advised world leaders and helped make medical breakthroughs that have improved the lives and livelihoods for countless people around the world. During times of war, our research has provided critical insights that helped secure victory. Moreover, we have trained generations of leaders—scientific and nonscientific alike—who remain committed to the importance of objective, fact-based decision making.
The presence of WHOI, Woodwell and MBL in Falmouth, as well as our colleagues at NOAA and USGS, is about far more than science; it is about the vibrant community we all enjoy. As we face challenges to the integrity of US scientific research, it is crucial that we stand together to support and communicate scientifically factual information about the changes happening everywhere. The work of our scientists—our neighbors—has been instrumental in improving economic and national security, as well as personal and environmental health around the world. Let’s celebrate and protect this legacy and the invaluable role our institutions and our friends play in making Falmouth a beacon of scientific excellence and community spirit.
