You may be alive thanks to basic research. The entire scientific community came together in 2020 to tackle a new virus known as COVID-19. The scientists developed new therapies and vaccines in an almost impossibly short time, saving the lives of millions around the world. (Nashville generated two high-profile faces of the fight: virologist Dr. James Hildreth of Meharry Medical College — named Nashvillian of the Year by the Scene in 2021 — and infectious disease specialist Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.)
The COVID vaccine was born from initial research that occurred in the global scientific community in 2005, work that ultimately earned a Nobel Prize in 2023. That effort was successful due to the persistence of scientists who had to fight to continue their work. And speaking of Nobel Prizes, this year’s prize in economics went to researchers who showed the critical role that science and technology play in the economic growth and prosperity of societies. That benefit goes far beyond medicine: America’s research institutions study multifarious topics, ranging from astronomy and chemistry to mathematics and, crucially, climate science — the last of which has the potential to save civilization from itself.
It seems self-evident that scientific research is vital to humanity’s survival, but there are forces that can’t handle the truth, forces that undercut research with draconian budget cuts. We give thanks to the scientists who continue to work undaunted through difficult times — their perseverance gives us hope for the future.
—Dana Kopp Franklin
Senior Editor, Nashville Scene
Our notes of gratitude to the community advocates, health care workers and others who make Nashville special
