Refugees science – about immigrants in scientific press

At the very beginning it is worth to realize, that there are no “independent” media. Each medium is built of and managed by people, thus commentators, who have their own, not common, opinion – therefore it is hard to be impartial. Yet, do the leading scientific media, running daily news services, show the problem in full view? Do they clearly stay for or against a pro-immigration policy of European Union? Below, we present a press review for past two months.

“New Scientist” is a worldwide periodic focused on achievements of European research. Recently, at least four articles were published on a journal website, describing an issue of Middle East immigrants. The first title clearly gives an idea of journal’s attitude: „Why welcoming more refugees makes economic sense for Europe”. In the introduction, we read not only about a positive economic balance, but also that it is “the right thing to do”. Quoting immigration experts , the author ensures, that migration scale will not grow, and that majority of refugees want  to go back home, not searching for benefits in European countries. Another article refers to the photo of drown 3-years old boy on Turkey beach. The opinion „Refugee crisis: Why one boy’s tragedy created a wave of empathy” describes a psychological mechanism of empathy triggered by individuals, not the anonymous mass crowd of victims.  „Tech helps refugees make journey – and survive when they arrive” describes a phenomenon, which caused rather ironic reaction in a second information circuit – refugees collectively charging their smartphones. Author describes the issue from a different point of view, pointing the necessity to navigate by GPS, communicate and find basic information about immigrant policy and the law of destination country. Article ”Refugees at risk of infection and post-traumatic stress disorder” points out: “first things first: refugees have basic health needs”. We read, that Europe has to face mainly mental health problems of immigrants. These are related to the past events in war zones, resulting in flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The issue of infectious diseases and lack of basic vaccination among immigrant children was marginally described, and its significance for public health was not mentioned.

“Nature” is a world leader of life sciences journals. Series of immigrant issue articles begins with a title „Keep a welcome”. The text refers to humanitarian values and a journal’s tradition  in supporting refugees from any war-torn country in the world, back from 1939. Author describes commonly used term “invasion” as “shrill rhetoric” and criticizes incoherent E.U. immigrant policy. Article „Lost generation looms as refugees miss university” shows the aspect of student refugees deprived of educational resources, which now should be ensure by European countries. It points a massive outflow of students and academics from war zone, which would hamper eventual return to prosperity in the Middle East. What is interesting, the article contains a link to Nature Arabic edition website.

“Science” magazine, also one of the leaders in scientific press, is avoiding its opinion about ongoing crisis and war in Syria. On magazine’s website we can find only articles describing specific research issues, such as ”Scientist says researchers in immigrant-friendly nations can't use his software”. Publication tells about a decision of Gangolf Jobb, the author of Treefinder software for phylogenetic tree construction. Based on his private opinion, he declared to withdraw the license in immigrant-friendly countries: Germany, Austria, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark and United States. „European Union helps match refugees with science jobs” describes the issue of scientists escaping from war-torn countries and gives examples of specially dedicated fellowships and job opportunities in research institutions. Recently, the magazine published a short interview „After the bombs” with an anonymous Syrian computer scientist, telling the story of her academic career, escape and finding new job in Europe.

Cited articles present two different attitudes. They remind, that science is not and never will be free of policy. But, what is the most important, it is also not free of people. Those who create science. Those who utilize it. Those who tell about.

Monika Kossakowska-Zwierucho

Picture sources:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.NPG.Arabic
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn28137-tech-helps-refugees-make-journey-and-survive-when-they-arrive/
http://www.nature.com/news/keep-a-welcome-1.18336
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/350/6256/130.full?sid=e8260f5f-cd52-4b0a-8a60-d8e5b845778d

This article was written before attacks in Baghdad, Beirut and Paris.