Science now has a price tag: Democracy.

A new editorial in the journal *Science* proposes a radical funding mechanism for research: a "democracy tax." Published in the August 2026 issue (Volume 393, Issue 6812, Page 641), the piece argues that public support for science should come with a direct civic cost. The concept is simple. Instead of relying on indirect government grants or private donations, citizens would pay a small, dedicated tax specifically earmarked for scientific research. The editorial suggests this creates a direct link between public money and scientific output. This approach, according to the authors, would force scientists to be more accountable to the public. It would also make the value of research tangible to taxpayers, who would see exactly where their money goes. The proposal comes at a time of declining public trust in scientific institutions. By tying funding directly to democratic participation, the editorial argues, science could rebuild its social contract. The "democracy tax" is not a fully detailed policy plan. It is a call to rethink how science is financed. The editorial challenges the current system, where funding decisions are often made by a small group of experts, and suggests a more inclusive, albeit more complex, alternative. Whether it is a viable solution or a provocative thought experiment, the idea is now on the table. The question is whether the public is willing to pay for it.