title: Once you know, you are responsible: the road from scholar to activist.
abstract: Conventional wisdom usually argues that academic research should be conducted with the highest level of objectivity possible. I seek to turn that argument on its head and suggest that taking sides, even pursuing activist tactics, in support of our subjects' goals may be not only desirable but also the most ethical option. Drawing on my own experiences with research and activism in HIV/AIDS, first in the United States and later in East Africa, I present the case for the mutually beneficial relationship between scholarship and activism.
authors.affiliation: Saint Michael's College.
authors.forename: Patricia D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Siplon
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology; D035843:Biomedical Research; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D011057:Politics; D014481:United States