The scientific impact of Brexit: it's complicated
Is UK science better off in or out of the EU? The arguments are complex and only partially evidence-based. And that’s not surprising.
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Science infrastructure still a problem for UK policy makers
This week’s budget contained the usual announcements about new research facilities. But behind the welcome news, concerns continue to mount
French woman aged 91 gets PhD after 30 years
Colette Bourlier, who awarded a high distinction for her thesis on immigrant workers, said it took so long because she ‘took breaks’.
The NHS is a much bigger challenge for DeepMind than Go
Training a computer to play Go is an impressive achievement, but AlphaGo may be a long way from being a useful product.
The scientist's dilemma: can you be a parent, a partner, a friend #AndAScientist?
The Royal Society’s new campaign highlights the importance of life outside the laboratory
Science and democracy: a peculiarly British disease?
Two recent programmes on BBC Radio 4 highlight a worrying anti-democratic bias in discussions of science and technology.
The politics of evidence-based policymaking
When presenting evidence to policymakers, scientists and other experts need to engage with the policy process that exists, not the one we wish existed.
Researchers: speak up now or risk being muzzled on government policy
New rules could stop state-funded scientists advising ministers and make it easier for companies and campaign groups to sway government decisions
The scientist's dilemma: can you be a parent, a partner, a friend #AndAScientist?
South African universities 'racially skewed'?
Only one in 20 black South Africans succeeds in higher education, and more than half who enrol at university drop out before completing their degree, according to research published this week.
There's no space for today's young Einsteins
The gravitational waves theorist saw physics as no one else did, but if he was around today his time would be spent chasing grants or tenures.
Zika virus initiative reveals deeper malady in scientific publishing
Moves to speed up the release of Zika virus research in response to the public health crisis highlight a systemic failure in scientific publishing.
The peer reviewers’ openness initiative
A new initiative published this week outlines how scientists can make a change to open science practices at an individual level.
Academics, forget about public engagement, stay in your ivory towers
Researchers are urged to make their work accessible, but simplifying complex ideas doesn’t support great scholarship.
Why universities should support the EU
Why universities should support the EU
The Eurosceptics say universities would be unaffected, or even improved, by a Brexit. They are wrong, says this vice-chancellor.
Are we finally getting serious about fixing science?
Biomedical research has faced criticism for being unreliable, but a report from the Academy of Medical Sciences might change all that.
Africa produces 1.1% of global scientific knowledge
There are just 79 scientists per million Africans, compared to 4,500 per million people in the United States.
Why it's time to get real about interdisciplinary research
A new book argues for less focus on structures and funding for interdisciplinarity, and more on the everyday highs and lows of collaboration.
Oxford again offers safe haven to endangered academics
University that gave shelter to Einstein quietly opens its doors to Syrian refugees.
How PowerPoint is killing critical thought
The bullet 'pointization' of information is making us stupid and irresponsible.
67% of Europeans don't believe women have the skills to be scientists
A new survey from L’Oreal looks at the public’s perception of female scientists with shocking results. (Particularly if you live in China.)
British universities slip downing global rankings
Change in methodology beneficial to ETHZ and EPFL.
Academics are being hoodwinked into writing books nobody can buy
In the US, taxpayers are said to be spending $139bn a year on research, and in the UK, £4.7bn. Too much of that money is disappearing into big pockets.
Preprints and the speed of science
Peer review is often claimed to be the guarantor of the trustworthiness of scientific papers, but it is a troubled process. Preprints offer a way out.
My laboratory would fall apart if Britain left the EU
My team is drawn from all over Europe and beyond – the researchers bring in talent, income and dedication.
Leaving the EU would drive away talented foreign scientists
A Brexit would put the UK’s academic success at risk as European research stars go elsewhere.
Academics seek to challenge 'web of avarice' in scientific publishing
Academics are challenging the control of a select group of publishing houses over scientific journals.
Why it strengthens research?
[21]New analysis of interdisciplinary collaboration across the UK research landscape highlights important questions about how we organise, fund and assess research.
Scientists or beancounters: who decides what's best for UK science?
Consultants think they can make publicly funded research more efficient. But they’re in danger of ignoring existing analyses – and real-life experience.
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