Internal guidance issued to National Cancer Institute employees has raised concerns over the scrutiny of research on sensitive topics, including vaccines, fluoride, peanut allergies, autism, and obesity. The list, which includes several priorities of the Biden administration, aims to “flag manuscripts, presentations or other communications for scrutiny” if they address these issues.
The scope and scale of the list are unprecedented, according to six employees who spoke anonymously, citing a lack of authorization to comment publicly. All materials must now be reviewed by an institute clearance team, which could lead to delays in research publication.
Critics argue that this approach amounts to “micromanagement at the highest level,” stifling scientific freedom and potentially censoring researchers’ work. Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, described it as a form of “Big Brother intimidation.”
The list has been linked to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist who has promoted conspiracy theories on these topics. His personal priorities are reflected in the NIH’s guidance, sparking fears that researchers will be forced to defer or delay their work due to concerns about administration priorities.
Health and research experts warn of a chilling effect, citing the potential for increased clearance processes and research censorship. The list also includes terms like “cancer moonshot,” which was a priority of former President Barack Obama’s program to cut cancer death rates by half.
Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/national-cancer-institute-flagged-topics-vaccines-autism-rfk-jr