Scientists mustn’t be afraid to take on the trolls

Australia’s scientists should not “surrender the field to trolls” by avoiding online debate on contentious issues like climate change, says Canberra scientist Robyn Porter.

Porter explains her tactics in an editorial for Professional Scientists Australia – the organisation formerly, known as APESMA – the Association of Professional Engineers Scientists and Managers, Australia.

She argues that actions such as Popular Science  shutting down online debate by closing off You Tube comments on its website “sends a message that we are afraid of being tested, even by the ignorant.”