Introduction of New Guidance

The NCI has introduced a new guidance that restricts employees from publishing information on certain topics without special approval. The list of restricted topics includes words like equity, ultraprocessed food, obesity, and infectious diseases like COVID-19, bird flu, and measles.

Health and research experts have expressed concerns about the new guidance, stating that it may lead to a lengthier and more complex clearance process and cause researchers to censor their work out of fear or deference to the administration's priorities.

Concerns About Censorship

Experts have criticized the new guidance, saying that it is an unusual mix of words that are tied to activities that the administration has been at war with. The guidance has been criticized for being too broad and vague, and for potentially stifling scientific research and progress.

The NCI, NIH, and HHS have not responded to questions about the new guidance, and it is not clear which office the directive originated from. The existence of the list was first revealed in social media posts on Friday.

Impact on Scientific Research

The new guidance has sparked concerns about the impact on scientific research and the potential for censorship. Experts have stated that the guidance may lead to a chilling effect on scientific research, and that it may cause researchers to self-censor their work in order to avoid controversy or backlash.

The guidance has also been criticized for being overly broad and vague, and for potentially stifling scientific progress and innovation. The NCI has a long history of conducting groundbreaking research, and the new guidance has raised concerns about the potential impact on the institute's ability to continue this work.