SUBRATA SAHA
Present Position
Affiliate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington, Seattle
Chapter Affiliation
University of Washington Chapter
Background Information
CV
Biography
Statement
We face a critical point in human history when social and political choices have catastrophic consequences. Will we protect our planet? Can we make sacrifices and work together to curb the spread of disease? Do we value information based on science or are we more concerned with our allegiances wrong or right? Survival depends on science today. Scientists may be able to quickly bring about solutions by discovering vaccines, cures, new sources of energy production and methods to reduce pollution ahead of a public resistance to using what is already available to fight against devastation of our own making. Even then, we could still bring about our own end by refusing what science has to offer for political reasons.
We must encourage woman, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA community to enter the field of science and scientists must reach out to the public at large. Those in the artistic fields as well as those in the field of religion should be included in discussions about the merits of science with respect in order to remove the ill effects of tribalism that leads to the detrimental politicization of important scientific information. This will promote a wider acceptance of science and diversity and expand available advocates for science.
Expansion of the membership pool of Sigma Xi to medical doctors, dentists, and engineers will help us gain a larger number of more permanent members. Increase in membership provides one means of fund raising. Other means include presentations online and at other events and group meetings. I shall take an active part in promoting Sigma Xi’s role in the above-mentioned activities and give it more visibility to the scientific community and the public in general. Due to my strong interest in Ethics, I shall help in Sigma Xi’s long-standing commitment to Ethics in Science. I have previously established named laboratories in universities with philanthropic support. I would like to be active in seeking philanthropic support for Sigma Xi activities, i.e. endowed named lectureship in Sigma Xi Annual Meetings, awards for leadership in science advocacy and awards for promoting ethics in science. I believe that with our dedicated efforts, Sigma Xi will be a thriving society with a significant increase in our membership in the future.