Praising his "deep appreciation for using science to find solutions," 81 Nobel Laureates have endorsed Democratic nominee Joe Biden as president of the United States.
In an open letter published Wednesday, the Nobel Laureates cited Biden's "willingness to listen to experts" and his "deep appreciation for using science to find solutions" as among the reasons for their support.
The Nobel Laureate signatories include those bestowed with the Nobel Prize in chemistry, medicine and physics. They emphasized the importance of elected leaders making decisions based on science, especially now during the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
"At no time in our nation's history has there been a greater need for our leaders to appreciate the value of science in formulating public policy," the letter said.
"During his long record of public service, Joe Biden has consistently demonstrated his willingness to listen to experts, his understanding of the value of international collaboration in research and his respect for the contribution that immigrants make to the intellectual life of our country."
One of the signatories is Roger Kornberg, an American biochemist who won the 2006 Nobel Prize in chemistry for his studies of the process by which genetic information from DNA is copied to RNA.
Kornberg said he supports "Biden's pro-science agenda and sensible approach to public health decisions."
"The multiple crises facing our country, including one of misinformation, requires a leader with profound admiration for science and truth," said Kornberg.
Another signatory, Elizabeth Blackburn, the winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in medicine, said the U.S. now, more than ever, needs elected leaders who make decisions based on science.
"Joe Biden is the strong, compassionate leader we need to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic," Blackburn said. "He'll listen to the scientific and medical community to create solutions that will finally get us out of this deadly pandemic and improve the health of the American people."
Molecular biologist Carol Greider, the winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in medicine, said she strongly endorses Biden "because of his commitment to putting public health professionals, not politicians, back in charge."
In 1984, Blackburn and Greider co-discovered telomerase, the enzyme that replenishes the telomere. For this achievement, both were awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Jack Szostak.
Rep. Bill Foster, a Democrat from Illinois who is the only physicist in the U.S. Congress, organized the Nobel winners to endorse Biden.
The signatories represent the largest group of Nobel Laureates to endorse a candidate for office, said the Biden campaign. A total of 76 Nobel Laureates endorsed 2008 Democratic nominee Barack Obama while 70 endorsed 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
