Covid experts get violent threats after speaking out on pandemic

Sunetra Gupta: social media attacks ‘stifling coronavirus debate’

Oxford epidemiologist and lockdown critic says ‘puritanical’ criticism of idea of herd immunity has chilled legitimate scientific and policy debate

By Jack Grove

16 September

Sweden mulls law change to fight online hate against researchers

Academics and public health officials quit Covid-19 research or need police protection after attracting threats

By David Matthews

1 March

Scientist defending himself against flying syringes

Is standing up for expertise a fool’s errand?

In an era of anti-expert populism, it is more important than ever to stand up for scientific truth. But it is also harder, coming with a high risk of personal attack. Anna McKie speaks to those who have paid a high price for their advocacy, and draws out the lessons for those who want to take up the cause

By Anna McKie

16 January