Science Politics

Research Team Leader: Nick Barracca
Faculty PI: Dr. Rachel Wellhausen

Science Politics examines the ways in which politicians leverage scientific uncertainty for their own ends. At its foundation, science is inseparable from uncertainty — no mainstream scientist will ever declare that they are 100% certain of the conclusions of their research. Many politicians have stoked this uncertainty for their own purposes (“If the scientists are only 95% sure, then they might be wrong...so let’s hear the other side, or wait until they’re sure, or...”) We think “both-side-ism” about science can undermine international efforts to address worldwide science-linked problems. The team will research these issues in a variety of topic areas: vaccines, including for COVID-19; climate change; food safety (e.g. GMOs); vaping and tobacco; nuclear power; space garbage; air quality; and more.

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Research Team Leader

Nick Barracca is a second-year Master of Global Policies student at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. He is interested in space policy, science diplomacy, environmental science technology and health (ESTH) issues, and how science & technology expertise influences policymaking at international organizations. In the summer of 2020, Nick interned with the Policy Planning team at the United Nations Foundation and monitored emerging technology and COVID-19 emergency finance news at the UN system. Prior to enrolling at the LBJ school, he worked for AARP on a dementia research initiative called the Global Council on Brain Health. He completed his undergraduate studies at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs with concentrations in International Economics and Development.