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Qualität in der Forschung

Qualität in der Forschung

Vor bestehendem Wissen keinen Respekt zu haben, ist Merkmal hochwertiger Forschung. Die Realität zeigt, dass die Welt von diesem Idealzustand erschreckend weit entfernt ist.

Does it matter that there aren't more women in science?

Does it matter that there aren't more women in science?

A bibliometric analysis in Nature purports to confirm that women scientists are discriminated against. But the full picture might be much more interesting.

Google Scholar wins raves—but can it be trusted?

Google Scholar wins raves—but can it be trusted?

Over the past year, Jonathan Eisen's reading habits have changed dramatically. For most of the past 2 decades, he has kept up with scientific literature primarily by combing PubMed. But these days Eisen, an evolutionary biologist, discovers research relevant to his own work without even looking for it.

Why we are not ready for radical changes in science publishing

Why we are not ready for radical changes in science publishing

There are indeed concerns about the current science publishing model, but until major changes in grant funding are incorporated, researchers will continue to lust after publications in high-tier journals.

Data sharing will pay dividends

Data sharing will pay dividends

As public pressure builds for drug companies to make more results available from clinical trials, the industry should not forget that it relies on collective goodwill to test new therapies.

Researchers' 'unrealistic' hopes of academic careers

Researchers' 'unrealistic' hopes of academic careers

Fewer than half of those new to research can expect long-term academic careers There is a "significant credibility gap" between researchers' expectations and the likelihood of their forging long-term careers in higher education, a survey has found.

The greater good

The greater good

Governments, funding agencies and universities must all do their bit to ensure that research is appropriately assessed and rewarded.

Geoghegan-Quinn surveys Europe's science horizon

Geoghegan-Quinn surveys Europe's science horizon

On the eve of a new funding era, the European Union's research chief tells scientists what to expect

Who's missing in modern academia: solitary geniuses or something much more significant?

Who's missing in modern academia: solitary geniuses or something much more significant?

When Peter Higgs, of Higgs boson fame, was quoted in the Guardian on Friday as saying "Today I wouldn't get an academic job" because he would not "be regarded as productive enough", it prompted much nodding and retweeting from academics.

What awaits the new director

What awaits the new director

In the coming days, the US Senate will consider the confirmation of Dr. France Córdova as director of the NSF. If confirmed, Dr. Córdova will be the latest in a line of distinguished scientists to lead the nearly $7 billion agency.

Top 20 things scientists need to know about policy-making

Top 20 things scientists need to know about policy-making

When scientists moan about how little politicians know about science, I usually get annoyed. Such grouching is almost always counterproductive and more often than not betrays how little scientists know about the UK's governance structures, processes, culture and history.

Scientific journals should stop trying to be exciting - and focus on being right

Scientific journals should stop trying to be exciting - and focus on being right

Scientists desperate to have an "impact" in their field are cherry-picking and misrepresenting their results. It's the natural result of a desperate scramble to publish. Science, according to a recent Nature article, is like Battleship. You fire shots into the dark and mostly miss your target.

How to fix peer review

How to fix peer review

Peer review, many boffins argue, channelling Churchill, is the worst way to ensure quality of research, except all the others. The system, which relies on papers being vetted by anonymous experts prior to publication, has underpinned scientific literature for decades.

The DIY dilemma

The DIY dilemma

The do-it-yourself-biology movement has an image problem. More commonly called DIYbio, it tends to conjure up pictures of T-shirt-clad misfits marshalling limited scientific skill in their basements as they try to make cool-but-fringe things such as glow-in-the-dark plants.

Enemy of the good

Enemy of the good

Who are the outstanding mentors of young researchers? Since 2005, Nature has awarded an annual prize for scientific mentoring, rotating through a variety of countries.

Research funding has become prone to bubble formation

Research funding has become prone to bubble formation

Research from the University of Copenhagen, which has just been published in the journal Philosophy and Technology, shows how the mechanisms that set off the financial crisis might be replicating in the field of science.

Where does this leave the scientists?

Where does this leave the scientists?

Researchers can still operate by the rules and norms of science, but under Horizon 2020 they have - with the exception of the ERC - no autonomy to decide what science they do.

Science funding and the value of science investigation and education

Science funding and the value of science investigation and education

"We must put a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the decade." These were the words spoken in 1961 to Congress by the late President John F.Kennedy, who fifty years ago this month was struck down by an assassin's bullet in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.