Creativity is the engine of scientific discovery—but fear is killing it. University of Chicago professor Dorian Abbot explains how ideological pressure is causing scientists to self-censor, avoid controversial topics, and abandon the pursuit of truth. What’s at stake isn’t just academic freedom—it’s the future of science itself.

Dorian Abbot is a professor in the Department of the Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Physics, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. Abbot’s research employs mathematical and computational models to explore topics such as climate dynamics, planetary habitability, and exoplanetary atmospheres. In recognition of his contributions to academic discourse, he received the Hero of Intellectual Freedom Award from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni in 2021.