After Gaza tweet, firing of life sciences journal editor sparks freedom of speech concerns

Pioneering life sciences journal eLife finds itself at the center of a white-hot furor after its governing board fired editor-in-chief Michael Eisen following his endorsement on social media of a satirical article expressing sympathy for Palestinians caught in the escalating violence in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The decision, which was called for by some corners of the scientific community, and ignited a subsequent backlash in others, highlights disagreements among researchers about institutions’ restrictions on free speech when science and politics collide.

At least seven editors at eLife and advisers to the journal have resigned in protest of his dismissal, including Elisabeth Bik, the celebrated spotter of scientific data manipulation. Other researchers have pledged to boycott the publication until its leaders provide a transparent explanation for Eisen’s removal and demonstrate a commitment to academic freedom of expression. Many declined to speak to STAT due to how heated the discourse has become in recent days.

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