Robots Run This Laboratory in Japan - And Are Changing How Scientists Work
Robots Run This Laboratory in Japan - And Are Changing How Scientists Work
Researchers hope to build a facility with thousands of robots capable of performing experiments independently by 2040.
Selecting for impact: new data debunks old beliefs
One of the strongest beliefs in scholarly publishing is that journals seeking a high impact factor should be highly selective. There is evidence showing this is wrong.
Wellcome Open Research: The Start of a New Journey
The first articles have gone live on Wellcome Open Research; 15 of them in total, with more submissions in the pipeline.
In Defence of the Objective World
Postmodern ideas have gained the status of absolute truths. Relativism, selectively appropriated into the language of both left and right politics, has metamorphosed into dogma. As oversimplification distorts communication, public trust in scientific fact has eroded. Could renewed ideas of objectivity be a way out?
Concerns about Blockchain for Science
I know, I know: I wrote about blockchain for science just last summer — this blog will explain why I now consider implementing blockchain to “improve” science a mistake.
Beware the Well-intentioned Advice of Unusually Successful Academics
There is a wealth of advice and 'how to' guides available to academics on the subject of how research can have an impact on policy and practice. In this post Kathryn Oliver and Paul Cairney assess the value of this literature, arguing that unless researchers seek to situate research impact within processes of policymaking and academic knowledge production, this advice can ultimately reinforce current inequalities in research impact.
Climate Change Swells Odds of Record India, Pakistan Heatwaves
A UK study says record-breaking temperatures in NW India and Pakistan are now 100 times more likely.
Paywalls Are Slowing the Quest For a Cancer Cure
Is the Nobel Prize Still Relevant Today?
Defining Open Science Definitions
The scope of open science and the variety of actors involved make it not realistic, and even counterproductive, to expect there to be, now or in the future, one definition of open science that fits all.
Knowledge Sector Takes Major Step Forward in New Approach to Recognising and Rewarding Academics
Knowledge Sector Takes Major Step Forward in New Approach to Recognising and Rewarding Academics
Academics can excel in many areas, but thus far they have primarily been assessed based on research achievements. From now on, the public knowledge institutions and research funders want to consider academics' knowledge and expertise more broadly in determining career policy and grant requirements.
Difficulty In Finding Reviewers Taints Editorial Decisions
Journal editors are more likely to reject papers when they experience trouble recruiting reviewers, reports a new study.
What (Not) to Do When Libraries Won't Get on Board
Why aren't libraries providing support for your open access or open science initiative? Be careful what you assume.
Evaluation des Forschungskredits der Universität Zürich
Studie der Sozialforschungsstelle der Universtität Zürich.
Studying the science of science
Some scientists are taking it upon themselves to go beyond their core research areas to study where the scientific system can go wrong.
Abandon Statistical Inference
Rather than focusing our study reports on uncertain conclusions, we should thus focus on describing accurately how the study was conducted, what problems occurred, and what analysis methods were used.
Publish Peer Reviews
Biomedical funders and ASAPbio call on journals to sign a pledge to make reviewers’ anonymous comments part of the official scientific record.
Populist President Sparks Unprecedented Crisis for Brazilian Science
Tensions are rising as Jair Bolsonaro’s administration questions the work of government scientists and institutes debilitating cuts to research funding.
Developing an Inclusive Culture at South Africa's Research Institutions
Developing an Inclusive Culture at South Africa's Research Institutions
To fully desegregate science, institutions should bolster mentorship, safe spaces and a culture of belonging.
What Harmful Microbes Are Lurking in the World's 7 Billion Tonnes of Plastic Waste?
What Harmful Microbes Are Lurking in the World's 7 Billion Tonnes of Plastic Waste?
Will AI Ruin the Social Sciences - or Revolutionize Them?
Rethinking Scholarly Evaluation: Matching Rigor to Purpose
Don't let transparency damage science
Stephan Lewandowsky and Dorothy Bishop explain how the research community should protect its members from harassment, while encouraging the openness that has become essential to science.
An Open Letter from and to Female Scientists
In the aftermath of the election results, a group of women in the sciences has banded together to speak out against anti-intellectualism, inequality, sexism and discrimination.