The issue of scientists speaking out, or going public, is one that has become increasingly present – even urgent, perhaps – in the 18 months since I became President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS). The impetus for this conference (1) can be traced back to the survey (2) by NZAS in October last year, asking scientists to share their experiences and concerns about their ability to speak out. Our reasons for doing so were manifold.