Islamic Science & the Scientific Method

The scientific method is routinely framed as a 16th or 17th century European invention (1)—a historically incomplete shorthand that overlooks the contributions of Islamic scholars. When the scientific method is framed as a Western possession, non-Western trainees are more likely to be perceived as guests rather than as inheritors of a shared tradition. Devaluing non-Westerners could contribute to policies that quietly legitimize excessive gatekeeping. For example, US travel bans on Arab and other Muslim-majority countries have disrupted scientific mobility and participation (2), and in Canada, a 2024 cap reduced approved study permits for international students by about 35% relative to 2023 (3, 4). Science educators and communicators should work to increase the understanding, both within and outside of the scientific community, that science has a multicultural history and that science today must foster a sense of belonging for those of non-Western backgrounds.