Trnava University Senate Condemns Politicians Casting Doubt Over Science

Bratislava/Trnava, August 28 (TASR) – The Academic Senate of Trnava University has strongly rejected recent statements by Peter Kotlar, the Government Proxy for Investigation into the COVID-19 Pandemic Management, and other political figures, as they discredit objective scientific research and undermine public trust in scientific and professional institutions. Senate member Juraj Hladky told TASR on Wednesday (27 August) that the Senate views such public remarks as particularly dangerous in the field of healthcare, where undermining scientific knowledge can threaten citizens’ health and lives. „The Academic Senate of Trnava University is deeply concerned by the growing trend of public statements by certain political figures that devalue the mission, methodology, and results of science,” said Hladky. „Scientific knowledge is based on verifiability, transparency, and critical thinking — not on subjective opinions or ideological beliefs.” The Senate stressed that science must not be used as a tool for political manipulation. „It is a pillar of democratic society and must be protected from populism, conspiracy theories, and unqualified interference,” the statement reads. The Senate expressed full support for researchers at the Slovak Academy of Sciences and for all academic professionals committed to truthful, independent, and socially beneficial research. It also called on public figures, media, and civil society to defend scientific integrity and to promote a culture of respect for expertise, critical thinking, and research freedom. mf