Are restrictions to scientific research costing lives?

September 6, 2012

CensorsOnCampusSep12CoverIn “Censors on Campus,” Index on Censorship magazine asks whether lives might be saved by making vital research freely available.

Some parts of Asia and Africa the fight against malaria is severely hampered because doctors and researchers are denied full access to the 3,000 articles published on the disease each year. At the same time, scientists living and working in developing countries are prevented from becoming global players in the public health arena.

In this special issue looking at academic freedom around the world, Thomas Doherty argues that government cuts are endangering the pursuit of knowledge in UK universities and Heather L Weaver looks at new tactics to bring creationism into the classroom. Plus exclusive reports about protest on campus in Israel, Turkey and Thailand.

Also in this issue: the Leveson Inquiry prepares to report on the culture and ethics of the press in the UK.

Launched in 1972, Index on Censorship is the only magazine devoted to protecting and promoting free expression. International in outlook, outspoken in comment, and publishing some of the world’s finest writers, Index exposes stories that are suppressed, publishes banned writing, initiates debate and gives breadth to news that has often been “dumbed down” in the world’s media.

Previous contributors include Margaret Atwood, Noam Chomsky, Nadine Gordimer, Aung San Suu Kyi, Salman Rushdie, Tom Stoppard and Ai Weiwei.