Dr Siddhartha Roy was a third-year PhD student when Flint, Michigan, faced a water crisis involving dangerous levels of lead. He was among the scientists who publicly disputed state and federal claims that the water was safe, earning local admiration for speaking out.
Roy later faced a different response after new research challenged the idea that children in Flint had been left with permanent brain damage because of the crisis. His commitment to following the evidence, even when it upset people, has earned him the 2026 Maddox Prize, which recognizes people who defend science and evidence despite hostility or other challenges.
In an interview with Ian Sample, Roy reflects on his experience in Flint and discusses losing friends as a result of his work.
Sources: The Guardian Science.