Rumour-mongering by scientists
- Scientific terrorism
Incidence
In the UK, the role played by some scientists in relation to the BSE crisis (and its aftermath involving other animals) in the 1990s has been evaluated as a form of scientific terrorism.
Claim
Terrorism by scientists results from isolating a set of statistics from its context, attaching a lengthy commentary, and encouraging the public and politicians to interpret the result in the most negative manner. The process may be accelerated by telephoning a message to the press demanding a large sum of money required for essential research to investigate the problem.
Vague talk of risk by scientific experts can ruin an industry, although it boosts research.
Irresponsible scientists present interpretations of essentially low risks in order to ensure the maximum amount of public panic.