to influence the scientific agenda

[GoodTaste]

Is the word "influence" neutral? Or negative? It sounds as if to mean "to (improperly) influence/impact". I am not very sure.


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Susan Greenhalgh says Coca-Cola used a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. to influence the scientific agenda and shape obesity science and policy at global levels and in China.

-Harvard University

 

[SoothingDave]

The connotation is that it is an improper influence.

 

[GoesStation]

The word "influence" is neutral. It's used negatively in the quotation.

 

[tedmc]

The scientific agenda should be professional and independent, and not be influenced by other parties.

 

[probus]

The scientific agenda should be professional and independent, and not be influenced by other parties.

Well, that's debatable. One of my children does a lot of scientific research. It all costs a good deal of money and she spends a lot of time and effort drumming up financial support.. Those who provide the funding inevitably influence what research gets done by deciding which research initiatives they will fund.

 

[Rover_KE]

-Harvard University

That's too vague as the source of a quote. Please give more details.

 

[GoodTaste]

Harvard University tweeted. That is the official ID of the university.

 

[tzfujimino]

I've found it:

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/st...lains-how-coke-shaped-health-policy-in-china/

 

[Rover_KE]

In that case, the source and author is Juan Siliezar, Harvard Staff Writer.