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Vaccine Nationalism Will Persist: Global Public Goods Need Effective Engagement of Global Citizens

Vaccine Nationalism Will Persist: Global Public Goods Need Effective Engagement of Global Citizens

COVID-19 presents a opportunity to transform democratic engagement in the governance of global public goods. To make us more resistant and resilient to future global health crises we need transformative thinking to democratically engage global citizens. 

Moving Forward: from the Passive Leaky Pipeline to the Hostile Obstacle Course

Moving Forward: from the Passive Leaky Pipeline to the Hostile Obstacle Course

The metaphor of the leaky pipeline  describes how the number of women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other minoritized groups progressively decreases at every stage of their academic careers. However, the passivity of this approach has often been criticized. Women and BIPOC don’t leak out of the pipeline. Instead, they are forced out of it under pressure behind blockages.

Challenging the Sustainability of Urban Beekeeping Using Evidence from Swiss Cities

Challenging the Sustainability of Urban Beekeeping Using Evidence from Swiss Cities

Urban beekeeping is booming, heightening awareness of pollinator importance but also raising concerns that its fast growth might exceed existing resources and negatively impact urban biodiversity. To evaluate the magnitude of urban beekeeping growth and its sustainability, we analysed data on beehives and available resources in 14 Swiss cities in 2012-2018 and modelled the sustainability of urban beekeeping under different scenarios of available floral resources and existing carrying capacities. We found large increases in hives numbers across all cities from an average 6.48 hives per km2 (3139 hives in total) in 2012 to an average 10.14 hives per km2 (9370 in total) in 2018 and observed that available resources are insufficient to maintain present densities of beehives, which currently are unsustainable.

Eric Lander's Departure Is a Step Toward Safer Workplaces in Science

Eric Lander's Departure Is a Step Toward Safer Workplaces in Science

The investigation into Lander’s management shows the importance of equitable leadership and strong protections.

Researchers Frustrated As Biden's Science Adviser Resigns Amid Scandal

Researchers Frustrated As Biden's Science Adviser Resigns Amid Scandal

Geneticist Eric Lander had a reputation for being a bully, scientists say, as they call for more inspiring leadership.

When Scientific Conferences Went Online, Diversity and Inclusion Soared

When Scientific Conferences Went Online, Diversity and Inclusion Soared

New data show that female attendance at virtual science and engineering meetings grew by as much as 253%, and gender queer scientist attendance jumped 700%.

The Proportion of Women Decreases with Each Step Up the Career Ladder

The Proportion of Women Decreases with Each Step Up the Career Ladder

In Switzerland, more women than men study at universities - yet women professors are still in the minority.

Africa is Bringing Vaccine Manufacturing Home

Africa is Bringing Vaccine Manufacturing Home

A major milestone was reached last week when scientists in South Africa reproduced Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 patents must now be shared.

What’s Next for Biden’s Research Agenda After Science Adviser’s Fall From Grace?

What’s Next for Biden’s Research Agenda After Science Adviser’s Fall From Grace?

The resignation of the Science Adviser likely won’t doom president’s science initiatives, argue science policy observers

My Lesson from Successful Scientists: Success Can Be Learnt

My Lesson from Successful Scientists: Success Can Be Learnt

High achievers are united in their passion for science, perseverance, hard work and lifelong learning, says Ruth Gotian.

Chinese 'space Cleaner' Spotted Grabbing and Throwing Away Old Satellite

Chinese 'space Cleaner' Spotted Grabbing and Throwing Away Old Satellite

Last month, a private satellite tracking company spotted a Chinese spacecraft apparently grabbing and throwing a dead satellite away into a "graveyard" orbit.

Biden Science Adviser Resigns Amid Claims of Workplace Bullying

Biden Science Adviser Resigns Amid Claims of Workplace Bullying

President Biden's efforts to remake US R&D policy took a hit Monday, as his chief science adviser, Eric Lander, unexpectedly resigned following an internal White House investigation of claims he had bullied members of his staff.

A Pathway Towards Multidimensional Academic Careers

A Pathway Towards Multidimensional Academic Careers

LERU published a position paper “A Pathway towards Multidimensional Academic” to provide a LERU framework for assessing researchers careers. The report elaborates on three perspectives that form the basis of the framework for the assessment of research.

Experience of Climate Extremes Increase Green Voting in Europe

Experience of Climate Extremes Increase Green Voting in Europe

What role do experiences with climate change and extreme events play in shaping environmental attitudes and to what extent can they explain the recent rise in environmental concerns and willingness to vote for Green parties across Europe?

UK's High-risk Research Funder Poaches DARPA Deputy Chief

UK's High-risk Research Funder Poaches DARPA Deputy Chief

US-based research administrator Peter Highnam will lead the newly established agency, which the government says will fund science with minimal bureaucracy.

Science Needs Fixing, Not Just Funding

Science Needs Fixing, Not Just Funding

Today, researchers spend nearly half their time on paperwork and administrative tasks, rather than research.

Huge Boost for US Science Funding Inches Closer to Reality

Huge Boost for US Science Funding Inches Closer to Reality

The US House of Representatives has passed its America COMPETES Act, which includes money for science funding agencies. Scientists are cautious, but hopeful.

What We Learned Doing Fast Grants

What We Learned Doing Fast Grants

We launched an abnormally fast source of emergency science funding during COVID-19. The results revealed flaws in current science funding models.