The Brutal Geography of Global Elite Scientific Research
In theory where you are from is not meant to determine the quality of your research. The geography of elite research shows this to be untrue.
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US Withdrawal from Major Environmental International Organisations Weakens Its Credibility
US Withdrawal from Major Environmental International Organisations Weakens Its Credibility
On 4 January 2026, the US announced it will leave dozens of international organisations, many of which exist to protect the climate and environment. Theresa Jedd warns that this America-first policy of international environmental isolationism is disappointing for the world, and could harm the people it claims to protect
NIH Ends Funding of Research That Uses Human Fetal Tissue from Abortions
NIH Ends Funding of Research That Uses Human Fetal Tissue from Abortions
Fetal tissue has been used to advance research into diabetes, Alzheimer's, infertility and vaccines
Thousands of Scientists Inflate Their CVs with Self-published Studies That Cost Millions of Dollars of Public Money
Thousands of Scientists Inflate Their CVs with Self-published Studies That Cost Millions of Dollars of Public Money
An analysis of 100,000 special issues of academic journals reveals that one in eight is filled with articles written by the editor, particularly at the publisher MDPI.
Horizon Europe 2026-27: €14 Billion for Better Research Careers in a Greener, Stronger EU
Horizon Europe 2026-27: €14 Billion for Better Research Careers in a Greener, Stronger EU
Discover the funding opportunities managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) for researchers to develop their careers, widen participation and support projects in key areas such as environment, agriculture and civil security. Learn more about the topics, timelines and upcoming info day.
Explained: China has been kicked out of most of Horizon Europe
Here’s how EU research participation rules are changing, starting this year.
‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body
‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body
Some scientists say many detections are most likely error, with one high-profile study called a ‘joke’.
Funding Radar: Switzerland launches call for solution-oriented development research
Funding Radar: Switzerland launches call for solution-oriented development research
Swiss teams, researchers from developing countries, and eligible European partners invited to bid
Which of Donald Trump’s changes are likely to last—and which will fade?
AI “swarms” could fake public consensus and quietly distort democracy
A new Science Policy Forum article warns that the next generation of influence operations – coordinated campaigns designed to manipulate perceptions of consensus, credibility, and normality – may not look like obvious “copy-paste bots,” but like coordinated communities: fleets of artificial intelligence (AI) -driven personas that can adapt in real time, infiltrate groups, and manufacture the appearance of public agreement at scale.
States pioneer a new frontier in US science funding
According to data from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the share of US basic and applied research funded by the federal government dropped from nearly 48% in 2009 to just over 34% in 2023. As that decline is likely to continue, some state governments are responding by boosting their research spending.
Why Are UK Universities Failing?
The higher education sector in the UK faces the prospect of a university going into administration. How have universities fallen so low and is change possible?
Scaleup Europe Fund seeks manager ahead of first investments
Fund designed to help EU start-ups grow is expected to make its first investments this summer “at the latest,” Zaharieva tells Davos.
USDA Researchers Instructed to Investigate Foreign Colleagues
A Trump administration policy asks agency scientists to Google their co-authors and report foreign collaborations.
The US is Quitting 66 Global Agencies: What Does It Mean for Science?
The US is Quitting 66 Global Agencies: What Does It Mean for Science?
The United States is leaving some of the world's oldest and most influential scientific networks involved in biodiversity research, climate science and conservation. Affected organizations tell Nature that their work continues.
Do Americans Think the Country Is Losing or Gaining Ground in Science?
Republicans and Democrats agree that it's important the U.S. is a world leader in science, but sharply diverge on how the U.S. is faring.
How science parks can transform Australian universities into innovation hubs
How science parks can transform Australian universities into innovation hubs
University-based science parks could become highly attractive sites for deeper engagement with industry, venture capitalists, and start-ups, and help procure government funding too, as proven in the UK, Singapore, and China.
The Fight For Slow And Boring Research
As federal research funding shrinks, scientists are looking to other sources of support. Can they learn to sell their work without selling out?
Why is Research Led by Women Retracted Less Frequently?
A recent study found research by women had fewer retractions. Are women betters researchers, or does the finding reflect wider structural issues?
When Science Discourages Correction: How Publishers Profit from Mistakes
Academic publishing system often allows scientific errors to persist because it prioritises profit and prestige over timely correction.
The Future Is Not Written. It Is Ours to Create.
After one year of President Trump's second term, let's challenge ourselves to imagine and bring to life a much, much better future.
Europe built a global research system. It can help the US, too
After a year of Trump, a former US diplomat suggests what the EU can do to bring American science back from the brink
The State of the Science 1 Year On: Academia and Research
The past year was a shock to the U.S. higher education system. The coming year may see even more jolts.
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