Dr Siddhartha Roy, a third-year PhD student at the time, was part of the team that publicly contradicted state and federal claims that the water in Flint, Michigan, was safe. He became a local hero until new research challenged the idea that children in Flint had been left permanently brain damaged by the crisis.
US scientist wins Maddox prize for standing up to water crisis claims
UKPulse Health DeskDr Siddhartha Roy was part of the team that contradicted state and federal claims about Flint's contaminated water, earning him the 2026 Maddox prize.
- Dr Siddhartha Roy won the 2026 Maddox prize for standing up to evidence in the US water crisis
- He was part of a team that publicly contradicted state and federal claims about Flint's contaminated water
Why this matters: The Maddox prize recognises individuals who stand up for science and evidence despite challenges or hostility.
What this means for you: This highlights the importance of standing up to evidence in scientific research, even if it's unpopular.