The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is concerned by recent reports of the removal of several highly respected clinicians and scientists from the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association after the distribution of a published editorial on the role of science in public policy and research funding.
As a global federation representing people living with diabetes, healthcare professionals, researchers and national diabetes associations in more than 160 countries and territories, IDF believes that scientific progress depends on the free exchange of ideas, rigorous debate and the ability of researchers to question, challenge and discuss policies that affect science, healthcare and the lives of people living with diabetes.
Throughout the history of medicine, advances have emerged from environments where evidence could be openly examined, prevailing assumptions challenged and differing viewpoints debated respectfully. Scientific inquiry is strengthened when researchers can engage in constructive discussion about the policies, priorities and decisions that shape the scientific enterprise. Such dialogue is an essential part of ensuring that research remains responsive to societal needs and grounded in evidence.
IDF affirms its longstanding commitment to scientific independence and evidence-based decision-making. We believe that policies affecting health and research should be informed by the best available evidence and developed through transparent engagement with the scientific community.
The global diabetes community has made extraordinary progress through collaboration across borders, disciplines and viewpoints. The ability of scientists and healthcare professionals to exchange evidence, share published research and engage in constructive discussion is fundamental to that progress and must be preserved.
Professor Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation, said:
Scientific progress depends on the freedom to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions and debate evidence openly and respectfully. The ability of researchers and healthcare professionals to examine evidence, express differing viewpoints and engage in constructive scientific dialogue is fundamental to advancing diabetes prevention, treatment and care.
Strong science is not built through agreement alone. It is strengthened through rigorous discussion, transparency and a shared commitment to evidence. These principles remain essential to improving the lives of people living with diabetes worldwide.
At a time when diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, safeguarding scientific independence is more important than ever. The diabetes community has achieved remarkable progress because researchers, clinicians and people living with diabetes have been able to question assumptions, challenge prevailing views and openly examine the evidence.
IDF believes that dialogue and debate should be encouraged. The Federation will continue to support scientific integrity, academic freedom and evidence-based decision-making as essential foundations for improving the lives of people living with diabetes worldwide.
