FROM THE EDITOR: Times are Changing
As you all sit down to read this issue of the CRS Newsletter to get a dose of excellent controlled release science it is opportune to reflect on the world as we know it and the potential impact of some recent decisions. Ruth Schmid, the CRS President, has penned a statement in respect of the recent executive order from the White House regarding immigration into the United States. The stance of the CRS leadership is admirable in this respect, as is that of the CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in which there is a plea for transparency and exchange of ideas. Indeed, this is much needed sanity in a changing world. It is perhaps even more fitting to note that there have been two attempts to promote isolation from the newly elected President of the United States and both have failed from a legal perspective. This issue is not new, but it has been made explicit by the order. I recall at the Chicago meeting a colleague from Europe bemoaning the fact that one of his students who happened to be from the Middle East had been held at immigration for a number of hours and yet another requesting at the general meeting the leadership take cognisance of this issue. Once again I implore CRS leadership to endeavour to ensure that CRS and its offerings on whichever continent are accessible to all interested scientists.
Notwithstanding the current failure of President Trump to ban entry into the United States to citizens of some countries, I am very concerned as to the ultimate outcome of this folly and believe that as scientists we should—no, must—stand against such notions of exclusion, as diversity of opinion, skill, thinking, ability, and sharing is vital to understand the multiple needs of society and to find lasting solutions to the health and other challenges that face the global population.
Bob Dylan hit the nail on the head in his song “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” and the words are as poignant now as when they were first penned. We need to be vigilant and cannot allow strength in diversity to be diluted by thoughtless decision making, and I hope that sanity will prevail in the near future to allow persons of all nations to work closely together, as most individuals are, in general, for the greater good of all.
Enjoy the read, learn some updated science, and reflect on what could be if we were all able to lend a hand to resolve health challenges together without being marginalised due to our religion, country of origin, or other consideration beyond our control.
