By Alexandra Zakreski #FollowFriday is an opportunity for CJFE to showcase Canadian individuals and groups doing important work in the field of free expression. In light of last night’s discussion, “Canadian Science in Crisis: Research, Responsibility and the Right to Speak,” we would like to highlight the event's key participants: Dr. Gordon McBean and Anna Maria Tremonti.

Dr. Gordon McBean

Dr. McBean has been an outspoken critic of the muzzling of government scientists and the lack of transparency in the federal government. Last night he drew attention to the obstacles government scientists face in speaking about their research. Dr. McBean also encouraged Canadians to speak out to see greater involvement of scientific research in the creation of public policy, since “I don’t think we’ll see change when scientists are upset, but when Canadians are upset and demand change.” Read Dr. McBean’s biography.

Anna Maria Tremonti

Anna Maria Tremonti, host of CBC Radio’s The Current, is an active CJFE Board Member, passionate about supporting journalists whose human rights and personal safety have been targeted as a consequence of their reporting of the truth. Interviewing Dr. Gordon McBean last night, she pointed out “there are gaps in [scientists’] ability to gather knowledge as well as their ability to share it” and posed important questions regarding how the media can help to ensure accurate reporting of science to the public. Read Anna Maria Tremonti’s biography.

While there has been a noticeable drop in the coverage of science in the media in recent years, arguably a result of the decreased accessibility of government scientists to members of the press, the following individuals continue to make sure these issues remain a part of public discourse:

• • Canadian Science Writers’ Association (CSWA), an organization actively speaking out against the muzzling of government scientists. Follow CSWA on Twitter @cswa_news
• • Kate Allen, global science and technology reporter for The Toronto Star. Follow her on Twitter @katecallen
• • Mike De Souza, political correspondent for Postmedia News, concentrating on environment and energy issues. Follow him on Twitter @mikedesouza
• • Margaret Munro, science writer for Postmedia News. Follow her on Twitter @margaretmunro
• • Ivan Semeniuk, science reporter for The Globe and Mail. Follow him on Twitter @IvanSemeniuk