Nature — the most prestigious science journal in the world — has editorialized in favor of requiring scientists to register with governments as a condition of participation in the sector.

Here’s the context. South Africa has legislation pending that would require scientists to register with a government body or face significant legal consequences. Nature applauds the authoritarian idea.

From the editorial (my emphasis):

What do engineers, environmental-health officers and health-care workers have in common? These occupations can, in some instances, be practised only by people who have registered with a relevant professional body. This typically requires candidates to pass qualifying exams and adhere to a code of practice that includes sanctions for violations. The process is intended to create the highest standards of quality, ethics and safety… The text defines ‘practising’ as “rendering of a service or provision of advice in the natural scientific profession”, whether for remuneration or for free…If the law is passed, South Africa could be one of the first countries to make it a legal requirement for scientists to be professionally registered as a community. Anyone who violates the law could be imprisoned for up to a year. It’s difficult to argue against the principle of aligning scientists with other professions that involve potential risks to people or to the environment.

What do engineers, environmental-health officers and health-care workers have in common? These occupations can, in some instances, be practised only by people who have registered with a relevant professional body. This typically........

© National Review