Make Academic Publishing a Commons, not a Market
Commercialisation has thwarted the promise of openness—it’s time for new priorities, says Samuel Moore
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Stop the University Ranking Circus
In June 2024, a study called for an end to use of ranking to validate research. The researchers gave their reasons. Others have followed even while the ranking industry seems to be coming off more and more popular with students, parents and recruiters.
As Science Faces External Attacks, It Needs to Look Within to Defend and Reform
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?
The Uncertain and Shifting Future of Ph.D.s in Science
Research funding cuts may lead to shrinking Ph.D. classes, raising concerns about impacts on the science-driven economy.
Why We Should Foster Connection and Belonging in Neo-liberal Academia
In a system where academic success is defined by outputs and individual achievement, Rachael Hains-Wesson and Nira Rahman call for a shift towards connection and belonging.
Fix the University-Shaped Hole in the EU’s Grand Plan
Implementing the Competitiveness Compass needs a partnership between policymakers and higher education, says Thomas Jørgensen
In the USA, Universities Are Under Attack on Multiple Fronts
There is a sense of crisis across US universities, brought on by an onslaught of hostile actions from the Trump administration. Alistair Jarvis reflects on a trip to America There is a sense of crisis across US universities, brought on by an onslaught of hostile actions from the Trump administration. Alistair Jarvis reflects on a trip to America.
Dartmouth's Sexual Harassment Scandal Transformed the Lives of These Women in Science
In 2017, a group of students at Dartmouth College filed a lawsuit that revealed an entrenched culture of power and abuse, and in doing so, they sparked a wider conversation about sexual violence in science.
How a Top Swiss University is Screening Chinese Students
ETH Zurich has revealed security screening measures it routinely carries out on some foreign students - provoking fear and anger.
The Abuse of Power in German Academia
German researchers studying power abuse in academia in Germany have come to some interesting conclusions about how common the problem is. Not enough checks are in place to prevent professors from exploiting doctoral candidates and other students.
How Do I Tell Someone That I Can't Write Them a Strong Letter of Recommendation?
Researchers are often asked to write references or recommendation letters. Nature asked three senior scientists what they do when they can't endorse someone.
Budding Scientists Inherit Career Success — or the Lack of it — from Their Mentors
Could Roving Researchers Help Address the Challenge of Taking Parental Leave?
Could Roving Researchers Help Address the Challenge of Taking Parental Leave?
Institutions are taking notice of a handful of programmes designed to address the issues scientists face when choosing to take a long-term absence.
Students Demand Cardiff University Tackles Sexual Violence
Students campaigning to stop sexual violence say they will fight to ensure Cardiff University acts after a meeting with senior staff. One student said they were laughed at by three male employees when speaking on sexual violence at a staff meeting. The university said it took sexual assaults seriously and investigated them robustly.
How a Bullying Scandal Closed a Historic Astronomy Department
At Lund University in Sweden this week, astronomers moved out of a building that was custom-built to hold telescopes and other artefacts from their 350 years of history, and they relocated to a physics building down the road. That’s because the astronomy department no longer exists, having been dissolved in the wake of a bullying scandal.
Being Neurodivergent in Academia: Working with My Brain and Not Against It
Being Neurodivergent in Academia: Working with My Brain and Not Against It
When attempts to capitalize on her undiagnosed ADHD traits led to repeated cycles of overwork and burnout, a postdoc re-evaluated how she faces the daily challenges of being a neurodivergent scientist.
Early-career US National Institutes of Health Researchers Vote Overwhelmingly to Form Union
Researchers Revolt Against Weekend Conferences
Parents are pushing for employers to respect family time and keep meetings strictly to working hours.
Toxic Workplaces Are the Main Reason Women Leave Academic Jobs
Toxic Workplaces Are the Main Reason Women Leave Academic Jobs
Women feel driven out by problems with workplace culture more often than by lack of work-life balance.
Scientists Used ChatGPT to Generate an Entire Paper from Scratch - But Is It Any Good?
Sexual Harassment Still Pervades Science
How academic institutions can prevent sexual harassment and protect scientists.
How Scientists Can Safeguard Themselves Online
Scientists are always at risk of digital harassment by bad actors looking to undermine scientific credibility and progress, but there are protective steps they can take.
Improving Mentoring in Academia Requires a ‘Collective Effort’
Sarvenaz Sarabipour is tired of academics understanding mentorship through anecdotes. The scientific community “needs a minimum set of standards for good mentorship,” says the Johns Hopkins University systems biologist, which can only be achieved by studying it systematically.
Leaving Academia for Industry? Here's How to Handle Salary Negotiations
Verunmöglichte Forschung? Internationaler Wettbewerb Versus Transnationale Solidarität Im Wissenschafstbetrieb
Verunmöglichte Forschung? Internationaler Wettbewerb Versus Transnationale Solidarität Im Wissenschafstbetrieb
Auch die Wissenschaft ficht Arbeitskämpfe aus. In Deutschland wurde das Reformvorhaben zum Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG) zurecht von den betroffenen Wissenschaftler:innen abgelehnt. Aber statt der vorgetragenen Sorge um die "internationale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit" der deutschen Wissenschaft wäre transnationale Solidarität angesichts vielerorts ähnlicher neoliberaler Regierungsmechanismen gefragt.
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