opinion articles
Send us a link
The Rise of the Ghost Academic
The academic conference no-show might feel like a minor inconvenience, but it might represent evidence of a growing concern with CV padding over contributions to the field.
How the US Fails at Science Diplomacy, but Could Do Better
How the US Fails at Science Diplomacy, but Could Do Better
The country is lagging behind the EU and China as a reliable research partner. But this can be fixed.
Metascience Is More Important Now Than Ever
A growing research field known as 'the science of science' will be essential for navigating an uncertain future.
What Happens When the Nuts and Bolts of Science Diplomacy Come Loose?
US science diplomacy has focused too much on preventing transfer of sensitive technology instead of on international collaboration.
EU Urged to Exempt Research Spending from Deficit Rules
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is calling on the EU to introduce a major change to its rules to encourage member states to invest more in R&D: decouple national research and innovation investments from deficit rules until the EU's 3% of GDP target is met.
National Science Foundation Staff Decry Trump's 'Politically Motivated' Cuts
Workers allege illegal terminations, censorship and collapse of scientific review standards
Research Replication Can Determine How Well Science is Working - but How Do Scientists Replicate Studies?
Research Replication Can Determine How Well Science is Working - but How Do Scientists Replicate Studies?
Replication research can take the temperature on how accurate science in a given field is, but research replication is easier said than done.
Horizon Europe's Retention is Good News - but the Fight Isn't over Yet
Horizon Europe's Retention is Good News - but the Fight Isn't over Yet
A significant budget boost, including for the ERC, MSCA and EIC, must not be undermined by the next two years of wrangling.
Universities Struggle to Recognise Leadership Beyond the Academic Template
Universities Struggle to Recognise Leadership Beyond the Academic Template
Second-career academics and pracademics challenge traditional notions of academic leadership - and that's exactly what universities need.
Praise for Commission's Research Programme Proposal, but Concerns Linger over Its Vagueness
Praise for Commission's Research Programme Proposal, but Concerns Linger over Its Vagueness
There was praise for research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva and much relief after the European Commission presented its proposal for a €175 billion successor to Horizon Europe on July 16. But concerns remain about the programme's links to the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and plans to simplify funding.
The Importance of Funding and Investment to Strengthen Data Science in Africa
The Importance of Funding and Investment to Strengthen Data Science in Africa
The authors explore the underutilization of data science (DS) to improve health outcomes in Africa and advocate for increased, strategic investment in DS infrastructure, talent development, and research funding.
The Next EU Budget Cannot Be Business As Usual
The bloc must rethink and reprioritize in order to seize opportunities and tackle the new challenges we face today.
Interview: How a Hearing-Loss Grant Got Cut in the Fight Over DEI
"It felt like the floor dropped out," researcher Uri Manor said after the sudden suspension of his lab's award.
Scientists IN Society: From Isolation to Engagement
Scientists were historically encouraged to immerse themselves in research above all else. It's time to rid ourselves of that notion.
Early-Career Researchers Reflect on the Emotional and Societal Fallout of Trump's Funding Cuts
Early-Career Researchers Reflect on the Emotional and Societal Fallout of Trump's Funding Cuts
Canceled grants and slashed budgets are disproportionately affecting junior health researchers, dealing a major blow to the future of science and society in the U.S.
In California, Colleges Pay a Steep Price for Faulty AI Detectors
Millions have been spent to catch plagiarism and AI with tools from education company Turnitin. Is the tech worth it?
How Dual Use Puts Research Under the Microscope
Dual-use controls can constrict international scientific collaboration without offering commensurate protections.
Scientists Warn US Will Lose a Generation of Talent Because of Trump Cuts
Political interference and chaotic cuts to staff, programs and grants at the National Science Foundation are producing 'devastating consequences'
Research Security in Europe Needs a More Coordinated Approach
Survey of national efforts reveals uneven but developing picture, say Andrew James and Kieron Flanagan
European Defence R&D Is a Question of How, Not Whether
Position of some national governments and universities is making difficult trade-offs harder, says John Donovan
Europe Can Attract More Scientists - but Not with Promises Alone
The EU wants to attract disaffected US researchers. If it succeeds, the benefits will stretch far beyond university research projects. But it cannot attract them with promises alone.
US Science Policy at a Crossroads
America needs a robust federal science and engineering enterprise now more than ever. But the scientific community's rigid defense of the Vannevar Bush model and its full-throated embrace of ideological DEI has left it politically exposed.
How Language Bias Persists in Scientific Publishing Despite AI Tools
Stanford researchers highlight the ongoing challenges of language discrimination in academic publishing, revealing that AI tools may not be the solution for non-native speakers.
Could a Novelty Indicator Improve Science?
A competition to develop computational approaches to detect 'novelty' in published papers will help metascientists to study how out-of-the-box research changes the scientific landscape.
×