What does it mean to defend science in Washington?On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica Medina and Dr. Sweta Chakraborty sit down with Gretchen Goldman, President and CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Goldman has spent her career working at the intersection of science, policy, and public accountability—ensuring that evidence informs the decisions that shape people’s lives.In this conversation, they discuss the role scientists play in protecting democracy, the pressures federal scientists can face when their research intersects with politics, and why scientific integrity matters for everything from public health to climate policy. Goldman also reflects on the mission of the Union of Concerned Scientists, an organization founded more than 50 years ago to ensure science serves the public good.At a moment when evidence is often contested in public debates, Goldman explains why defending science is not just about protecting researchers—it’s about protecting the systems that allow societies to make informed decisions.Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world