UMS Voices Full Support to Slovak Academy of Sciences In Face of Attacks

Bratislava, 2 September (TASR) – The Union of Slovak Cities (UMS) expresses full support for the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) and the scientific community, joining voices defending experts and credible scientific institutions against unjustified attacks and discreditation, UMS spokesperson Daniela Pirselova told TASR on Tuesday. „Trust in science, research, and facts is crucial for the health and safety of our society," Pirselova emphasised. The UMS pointed out that cities were on the front line during the pandemic, forming a safety net for their residents. Thousands of lives were saved and the impact of the pandemic was mitigated thanks to verified scientific knowledge, credible experts, and vaccination, the statement said. „Attacks on experts, scientists, or scientific institutions, and questioning the outcomes of their work without factual counterarguments, are perceived as dangerous undermining of public trust in facts, expert knowledge, and critical thinking. The SAV is a relevant authority in Slovakia. Its voice must carry weight and must not be discredited by political attacks," said UMS Vice President and Banska Bystrica mayor Jan Nosko. According to the SAV, an analysis showed that mRNA vaccines against the novel coronavirus contain only trace amounts of DNA molecules, well below approved limits. The Academy pointed out that the risks raised by Peter Kotlar, the Government Proxy for Investigation into the COVID-19 Pandemic Management, were not substantiated. The SAV added that his claims regarding high levels of DNA were based on flawed procedures and/or misinterpreted results, calling them erroneous and misleading. mf/mcs